Interested in the difference between a ‘flashy mover’ and ‘correct mover’? Or which conformation flaws inhibit an event horse’s performance? Experts of the USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) program answer these questions and more in three educational videos that are now available on the USEA website.
These new videos are intended to be an educational resource for anyone interested in the FEH program – judges, trainers, competitors, owners, organizers, breeders, and handlers. The videos were produced by Mythic Landing Enterprises and the footage was taken during the 2019 USEA FEH East Coast Championships at Loch Moy Farm. The videos are broken into three parts: FEH Judging, FEH Handling: Part 1 and FEH Handling: Part 2.
FEH Judging
In the FEH Judging video, Robin Walker, Susan Graham White, Chris Ryan, and Peter Gray thoroughly discuss what makes a good event horse. For conformation, they discuss what judges should look for, what good conformation looks like, and what conformation flaws could hinder an event horse’s performance. For assessment of gaits, Gray explains the top characteristics that he looks for, Graham White explains correct movement, and Ryan explains how conformation can affect movement.
Graham White and Walker also go through step by step on how to judge an FEH competition. Over 40 minutes of helpful information can be viewed in the FEH Judging video.
FEH Handling: Part 1
The FEH Handling: Part 1 video focuses on in-hand presentation at a FEH competition. Martin Douzant of The Frame Sport Horses, who presented over 20 horses at the 2019 USEA FEH Championships, discusses how to correctly present a horse, what equipment to use, what handlers should wear, common mistakes when presenting a horse, and the overall responsibilities of the handler and assistant handler.
FEH Handling: Part 2
The FEH Handling: Part 2 video is a demonstration of how to best present a horse with Martin Douzant’s expert tips.
Anyone and everyone can watch, re-watch, and share these wonderful FEH videos. The USEA would like to thank everyone involved in the production of these videos!
The USEA introduced the Future Event Horse Program in 2007 in response to the popularity of the already established USEA Young Event Horse Program. Where the YEH program assesses 4- and 5-year-old prospective event horses based on their performance, the FEH program evaluates yearlings, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds for their potential for the sport based on conformation and type. Yearlings, 2-year-olds, and 3-year-olds are presented in-hand while 4-year-olds are presented under saddle at the walk, trot, and canter before being stripped of their tack and evaluated on their conformation. Divisions are separated by year and gender. At the Championships, 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds are also required to demonstrate their potential over fences in an additional free-jump division. Click here to learn more about the Future Event Horse Program.
The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, SmartPak, Standlee Hay Company, C4 Belts, Etalon Diagnostics and Guardian Horse Bedding for sponsoring the Future Event Horse Program.
The USEA is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Timothy “Tim” Holekamp on April 19. He was 79.
While we all attend the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event for the competition, the next best thing about the event is definitely the shopping! The USEA is excited to be back on-site at the Kentucky Horse Park for the competition this year and to debut some all-new apparel items for the 2025 season. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect to see at our booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, this year.
They don't call it the "Best Weekend All Year" for no reason! If you love the sport of eventing (or just horses in general) the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is most likely a staple on your calendar or a must-see on your bucket list. This week, thousands of eventing lovers will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for one of two U.S.-based five-stars that takes place each year, as well as top-shelf CCI4*-S competition and two nights of spectacular show jumping.
Will you be at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this year? Are you a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program? Then you will not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to join cross-country course designer Derek di Grazia on a walk of the CCI5*-L cross-country course. The USEA-hosted event will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24.