United States Eventing Association

Meet the USEA Staff: Competitions

The United States Eventing Association (USEA), which was founded in September 1959, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers strong and continuous training opportunities for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing.

While the USEA’s home office is based in Leesburg, Virginia, many of the small staff of 17 professionals that work to fulfill the duties and mission of the Association work semi- or fully remote to accomplish their individual responsibilities. To better help the USEA members communicate with and get to know the team behind the USEA, the USEA will be releasing a Meet the Staff article occasionally to help you identify which members of the team might best assist you with your individual needs. This month the USEA is proud to introduce you the powerful, one-woman show who spearheads all things competitions related at the USEA.

When long-time staff member and Competitions Director Sharon Gallagher retired at the end of 2023, it was going to take one talented person to fill her shoes. The USEA is proud to say that individual was none other than USEA staff member Hannah Seagle. Seagle formerly worked within our Marketing and Programs department, assisting with our Shop USEA storefront, different program initiatives, and much more, but it became apparent that her skillset was strong enough to make her the perfect candidate for filling Gallagher's shoes.

As the Director of Competitions at the USEA as of 2024, Seagle's daily responsibilities include overseeing all aspects relating to competitions.

"This involves coordinating with event organizers to ensure they have the support they need prior to their competition, managing the competition calendar and omnibus pages, overseeing competition results, and ensuring compliance with USEA/USEF rules and regulations," Seagle shared.

Each day, Seagle fields inquiries related to event rules, safety protocols, qualifications, end-of-year awards, and so much more. If a competitor or organizer has an issue, Seagle is the one to help find a solution.

In addition to her daily roles, Seagle also serves as the USEA staff liaison on several committees: the Competitions, Calendar, and Rules Committee, Organizer Representatives Committee, Area Affairs Committee, and all three Safety Subcommittees—Rider Safety, Cross-Country Safety, and Equine Safety and Welfare. She is also the staff advisor to the USEF Eventing Sports Committee.

It's a large order for one person, but Seagle loves it.

"My favorite thing about my job at the USEA is the opportunity to support and enhance the sport of eventing," Seagle noted. "I love working with a dedicated team and passionate eventing community to ensure our competitions run smoothly and safely. Seeing the joy and accomplishment of riders and horses at our events is incredibly fulfilling."

When she is not at work, she fills her spare time creating memories with her family in the great outdoors. Seagle is a mom to an adorable 1-year-old little boy, and she loves her new role of mom. She spends her days spoiling her own retired horse as he takes care of their "new cowboy," and uses her time away from work as an opportunity to travel and explore the world with her husband and son.