Login
Jan 12, 2021
LRK3DE Update from Executive Director Lee Carter
I can honestly say I have never looked forward to the start of a new year more than I have now. For Equestrian Events (EEI), our 2020 was filled by the sadness caused by the cancellation of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, and finally the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds. The challenges caused by 2020 will linger for many years, but we are resilient.
And while EEI had challenges, we know you did too. In the last year you may have lost a job, seen friends get sick, or sadly lost a loved one. We are sorry for any hardships of 2020 you experienced. For you too, the challenges caused by 2020 will linger for many years. But we also know that you are resilient.
For months the single most asked question we’ve heard is, “What will the 2021 Kentucky Three-Day Event look like?” Our typical responses ranged from, “Great question,” to, “It changes every day.” These answers are still applicable.
To our normal response, I would add that our goal is to run the Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix in April 2021 . . . with a carefully managed level of spectators. We know there are challenges ahead and we know things must be different in 2021, but we are working towards accomplishing this goal. We are resilient.
We cannot achieve our goal alone. We have been and continue to be in constant contact with US Equestrian, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Horse Park. The approval for spectators from each of these organizations is key to achieving our goal. These partners also recognize the challenges ahead and the work that must be done. They too are resilient.
You too are a key partner in our ability to achieve our goal. Since 1978 you’ve been with us every step of the way. Plans for April continue to evolve and, as we’ve said before, plans change daily. As details are finalized, we will excitedly share them with you. For now, we ask that you be resilient with us.
The definition of resilient is, “to return to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.” For each of us there is no question that 2020 has bent us, compressed us, and stretched us (just look at my waistline!)
We were bent, but we did not buckle. We were compressed, but we were not squashed. We were stretched, but we did not break.
We can’t wait to return to our original form as soon as safely possible, with you there next to us.
We are resilient!
Lee
Dec 23, 2024
Education
Saddle Fit Simplified
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Dec 22, 2024
USEA Foundation
Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
Dec 21, 2024
Education
3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Dec 20, 2024
Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
