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Aug 05, 2020
Launch of USEF Helmet Safety Fund to Support Virginia Tech Helmet Lab
US Equestrian is pleased to announce the kick-off of the USEF Helmet Research Safety Fund, a fundraising effort to further the safety of equestrian athletes across all breeds and disciplines. The fund will support further research into U.S. helmet safety standards and the creation of an equestrian-specific rating system, providing riders insight into how helmet models compare when looking at safety and protection. US Equestrian is partnering with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, and 100 percent of funds raised will support the independent research to develop this important sport-specific rating system. In addition to the financial fundraising component of the program, USEF will be sharing important data on falls and injuries from USEF competitions which will be utilized in the research and development of the Equestrian STAR rating project at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab.
“All of us at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab are excited to partner with US Equestrian on the helmet rating project,” said Dr. Barry Miller, Director of Outreach and Business Development for the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. “US Equestrian’s involvement will increase awareness, promotion, fundraising, and cross-breed/discipline benefits, as well as the broad-based connections USEF can provide to other sports in the NGB family.”
“Currently, equestrian helmets must meet basic safety standards on a pass/fail system to receive the ASTM/SEI approval,” explained US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “This is a fantastic project for everyone to be involved with and we embrace the opportunity to work with all of our affiliates on a community-wide initiative to support this research and enjoy the shared benefits of the results.”
To date, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has developed STAR helmet ratings for sports including football, youth football, soccer, flag football, cycling, and hockey. Since 2011, Virginia Tech researchers have been providing unbiased helmet ratings that allow consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing helmets. The helmet ratings are the culmination of over 10 years of injury biomechanics research with special attention to concussions and which helmets best reduce concussion risk. Visit vt.edu/helmet to learn more.
US Equestrian is launching an awareness campaign educating the equestrian community on the importance of this research and inviting everyone to donate towards the Virginia Tech helmet fundraising goal of $450,000. Notably, the USEF affiliate United States Hunter Jumper Association has announced a donation of $100,000 to Virginia Tech's helmet fund. Future virtual meetings will bring together US Equestrian affiliates, partners, helmet manufacturers, and industry thought leaders to work together to advance this initiative.
Donations can be made at usef.org/donate/helmetresearch. If you are interested in more information, please contact [email protected].
Jan 01, 2025
Rideability and Responsibility on Day 2 of the 2024-2025 EA21 National Camp
Having established clear lines of communication yesterday on the flat, it was time to take those tools to the jumping arena during day two of the 2024-2025 Emerging Athlete Under 21 (EA21) National Camp held at Sweet Dixie South in Ocala, Florida. The curriculum for the second day focused on the rider’s responsibilities and maintaining rideability.
Dec 31, 2024
Communication Reigns Supreme on First Day of 2024-2025 EA21 National Camp
“There’s got to be things that you believe to your core,” EA21 Director of Coaching David O’Connor began on the first day of the 2024-2025 Emerging Athletes Under 21 (EA21) National Camp held at Sweet Dixie South in Ocala, Florida. “For me, that’s communication.”
Dec 30, 2024
Emerging Athletes U21
Fast Facts: 2024-2025 EA21 National Camp
This week 12 talented Young Rider athletes from all over the country have gathered together in Ocala, Florida, for the 2024-2025 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 National Camp (EA21), led by EA21 Director of Coaching David O'Connor! These riders were hand-selected following the five USEA EA21 Regional Clinics that took place in the summer of 2024 and will spend the week immersed in an educational experience like no other with classroom sessions, hands-on learning led by industry experts, and in-the-saddle instruction facilitated by O'Connor. The National Camp kicks off tomorrow on Dec. 31, 2024 and will run through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
Dec 30, 2024
Convention
USEA Podcast #377: Reflections on the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
USEA CEO Rob Burk sits down with Podcast Host Nicole Brown to talk about some of the key moments from this year's USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which was held Dec. 12-15 in Seattle, Washington, including keynote speaker Tik Maynard's presentation, rule changes, accessibility and inclusivity, and more!
