United States Eventing Association

Here’s to the Horse Trials: The Benefits of Eventing Competitions from Grassroots to FEI

The following is provided through a partnership between STRIDER and the USEA. As part of our commitment to diversity, enabling access, and building capacity throughout the industry we are pleased to provide this content to benefit the sport of eventing.

Horse trials, from local grassroots competitions to FEI-level events, are the heartbeat of the eventing world. These trials are more than just a test of skill for riders and horses; they are essential to the growth and sustainability of the entire equestrian community. From beginners to seasoned international competitors, spectators, vendors to volunteers, every horse trial provides an opportunity to expand our beloved sport.

At the grassroots level, horse trials serve as the foundation of eventing. Local competitions offer riders the chance to learn the ropes in a supportive, low-pressure environment. These events provide crucial opportunities for riders to develop core skills in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, while also ideally building confidence in a competitive environment. The grassroots level also nurtures the next generation of equestrians, offering an accessible entry point into the sport. Riders can gain experience and progressively work their way up to higher levels, creating a natural pipeline of talent for the sport's future.

For riders moving up through the levels, horse trials offer invaluable exposure to more complex courses and more competition. As the challenges become more demanding with increasingly technical questions in all three phases, athletes not only improve their riding but also hone some key traits such as strategy, adaptability, and mental toughness. Our FEI events are key for the sport’s visibility to a wider audience. Often with bigger sponsors and more spectators these events are crucial for the sport’s visibility on a bigger stage.

The impact of horse trials extends far beyond the riders themselves. These events are key economic drivers for local communities and the equestrian industry as a whole. They bring in tourism, boost local businesses, and provide sponsorship opportunities that benefit everyone involved, from the event organizers to the riders to the brands associated with the sport. Sponsors play an essential role in the success of horse trials, as their support helps maintain the quality of these events and ensures that the sport remains accessible to riders at all levels. In turn, brands benefit from visibility in front of an engaged, loyal audience, and can align themselves with the passion and dedication that eventing represents.

Horse trials are not just competitions; they are an integral part of the equestrian ecosystem. From grassroots to FEI, these events foster talent, build community, and support the broader equestrian industry. Whether you're a competitor, a spectator, or a sponsor, horse trials play a key role in ensuring the continued growth and success of eventing.

So, here’s to the horse trials, the heart and soul of the eventing world, where passion, skill, and community come together. Check out what’s coming up near you on the USEA Calendar.

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