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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 29, 2023
Education
The Eventing Coaches Program Focuses on Area and Regional Needs
The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) has initiated a renewed focus on the diverse challenges coaches in various regions of the country may be facing. To this end, the program is in the process of enlisting representatives in each of the 10 USEA areas to help guide the program as warranted for the unique needs of each specific area.
Sep 28, 2023
Awards
Nominations for 2023 USEA Appreciation Awards Now Open through October 29
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.
Sep 28, 2023
Interscholastic
Stable View is Ramping Up for the 2024 Intercollegiate & IEL Championships
Anticipation for the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and inaugural USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is growing, and the host venue, Stable View, is up for the task of making both events an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the first time, the Intercollegiate and IEL program championships will be hosted on the same weekend at the Stable View H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 4-5, 2024, creating greater unity between the programs and demonstrating a clear pipeline of participation in the sport from grade school through college and beyond.
Sep 27, 2023
Rules
New Eventing Rule Changes Going into Effect October 1, 2023
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next event.
