The USEA is very sad to announce that Ann Rickard Haller died suddenly today with what appears to be complications related to an ongoing medical condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at Great Meadow International this weekend and passed away at a local hospital.
Ann was involved in so many aspects of eventing and was truly at the heart of the sport. She embodied the real spirit of an eventer with a “get it done” attitude pitching in to make sure whatever needed to get done was done.
Ann worked in the press office at many events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, NAYC, World Equestrian Games, and the USEA American Eventing Championships, just to name a few. She often multitasked as the cross-country controller or took on other roles as needed.
A self-declared “army brat,” Ann grew up all over. She was a graduate H-A pony clubber from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and was a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. She continued to be involved in Pony Club for over 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach, National Examiner, Chief Horse Management Judge, past member of the USPC national eventing and horse management committees, and past member of the USPC Board of Governors. She was a Level II USEA Certified Instructor as well as being a USPC Level IV National Examiner, and an FEI Steward. In 2006, she was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement.
Ann was predeceased by her husband, Roger Haller, who died in 2016. She leaves behind a multitude of friends, her horse Master of the House, and a huge hole in the eventing community.
The USEA sends the sincerest condolences to all of Ann’s friends, family, and fans. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Amanda Walker wasn’t sure what she’d gotten herself into when she went to try Runaway Romeo as a potential sales project in 2018. The gelding was a bit bigger than Walker was looking for and was quite pushy coming out of the stall. When she got on, it didn’t get much better.
For seasoned and novice riders alike, it is always good to revisit the basics. Serving as the foundation for any eventer, the positions used on the cross-country course differ from those in the dressage or show jumping ring. The USEA tuned into five-time Olympian, three-time World Equestrian Games rider, two Pan-American Games rider, and USEA ECP certified coach Karen O'Connor as she walked coaches and students at the USEA ECP Symposium through the basic positions for effective cross-country riding.
The USEF's main phone number and fax number have changed. We wanted to notify you so you continue to get the support you need.
With the recent wrap-up of the 2023 Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium in Ocala, Florida, USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown chats with ECP Faculty Members Jennifer Howlett Rousseau and Robin Walker about all things related to the ECP. From the USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels to the benefits of pursuing certification, selecting the best coach for you, recapping this year's Symposium, and more - this week's USEA podcast is the perfect educational tool for coaches and riders alike!