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Feb 19, 2021
In Memoriam: Sue Hershey
The USEA is very sad to share the news that Susanne W. Hershey passed away at her home in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on February 18, 2021, following a long illness. Sue was instrumental in starting the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) and contributed greatly to the Association.
Sue was born in 1946 in Rochester, New York, and began riding at the age of 10. She fox hunted as a teenager with the Genesee Valley Hunt in New York, and was a member of the Genesee Valley Hunt Pony Club, competing in rallies and event competitions and finishing as an “A."
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Radcliffe College, Harvard University, and M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, she worked for many years as a high school teacher and the school/college counselor at The Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After she convinced her husband that their two small children could not learn to really ride unless their ponies were close to them, horses have lived with them ever since on their suburban property just outside of Pittsburgh. Having evented with success through the Preliminary level, Sue switched to focus on dressage.
Karen O’Connor and Sue started the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program in 2000, together with the equally committed event competitors/instructors who serve on the USEA's ICP Committee, which includes all of ICP's faculty/assessors. Sue facilitated the ICP program until 2018 when she retired from the position. During her tenure, she wrote countless educational articles and worked tirelessly to promote ICP. In 2003 Sue was awarded a USEA Governor’s Cup for her service to the sport. In addition to her work with the USEA, Sue was involved with the Western Pa. Eventing Assoc. Board of Directors for many years as well as organized and managed the Harrison Hills Event.
Sue is survived by her husband of 54 years Dale Hershey, children Lauren Dixon (Michael Rossiter) of Toronto, Canada, and Alex Hershey (Tina) of Pittsburgh, by her brother Stewart W. Wilson (Renate) of Concord, Massachusetts, four grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren. The USEA sends its sincerest condolences to Sue’s family, friends, and connections.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders.
Sep 30, 2022
Convention
Registration is Now Open for the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Savannah, Georgia!
Attention USEA members! Registration for the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is now open! The convention will be held in person on December 7-11, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah Hotel in Savannah, Georgia.
Sep 30, 2022
News
USEA Names Athletes for Inaugural EA21 National Camp
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the selected Young Rider athletes for the Emerging Athletes 21 Program (EA21) national camp, now that the EA21 regional clinics have concluded. Twelve riders were accepted into each of the five regional EA21 clinics, taught by USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) instructors, and now riders have been selected from the regional clinics to participate in the inaugural EA21 national camp this winter.
Sep 29, 2022
Instructors
The Eventing Coaches Program: Phyllis Dawson on Training Horses and Riders
Ninety percent of training a horse is getting the horse to understand exactly what you want them to do. In general, horses are generous and willing creatures who want to please us; very seldom do they behave badly on purpose. Horses don’t come out and say, ‘Let’s make Mom’s (or Dad’s) life miserable today by going as poorly as possible - most prefer to do the right thing, as long as they know what that is.
Sep 28, 2022
Education
A Veterinarian’s Tips for Maximizing Longevity and Soundness
Regardless of the level at which a horse is competing, its veterinary team is at the forefront of most decisions regarding its career and well-being. Liz Arbittier, VMD, CVA, has been working with equine athletes for over two decades. Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) in 2001, she worked in private practice with a focus on sports medicine and pre-purchase exams until joining Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center Field Service team in 2013. Situated in the heart of Area II’s eventing scene, the team provides ambulatory services to the surrounding area, which is home to multiple Olympians.
