United States Eventing Association

More than Just a Number: Your Competition Entry Matters

The following is provided through a partnership between STRIDER and the USEA. As part of our commitment to diversity, enabling access, and building capacity throughout the industry we are pleased to provide this content to benefit the sport of eventing.

In eventing, as across equestrian disciplines, every rider entry holds significant importance, extending far beyond the individual competitor. For the eventing community specifically, each entry plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity, ensuring financial viability, and maintaining the high standards set by USEA-recognized events. By understanding the collective impact of every participant, we can appreciate how each contribution enhances community ties, fosters a vibrant competitive atmosphere, and ultimately supports the sustainability and growth of the sport we love.

Maybe your best barn buddy has said it, or maybe you’ve had the thought yourself; “My entry is just one horse and rider combination, surely the organizers won’t miss my entry fees if we sit this one out.” Team STRIDER is here to remind you that every rider entry is much more than just a number. Here are some important ways your singular entry has a far-reaching impact:

Promoting Inclusivity

Each entry contributes to a vibrant community within the eventing world. A diverse field of competitors—ranging from amateurs to professionals—creates a more engaging atmosphere, fostering camaraderie among riders.

A well-attended event encourages more riders to participate, knowing they are part of a larger group. This inclusivity can inspire newcomers and help build the sport's future.

Enabling Financial Viability

Each rider's entry fee is crucial for covering the costs of organizing an event. This includes expenses such as facility rentals, insurance, staffing, and equipment maintenance. A higher number of entries helps ensure that events can continue year after year. That sustainability is key for enabling opportunities throughout USEA Areas.

More entries allow event organizers to invest in better facilities, higher-quality jumps, and improved safety measures, ultimately enhancing the experience for all competitors.

Providing Data for Planning

Each entry provides valuable data that organizers can analyze to understand which divisions are most popular, enabling them to tailor future events to better meet the needs of the community. At STRIDER, we see organizers across disciplines leveraging data analytics to lower costs, enhance efficiency, and improve the competition experience for participants and spectators.

Feedback from a larger pool of competitors helps event organizers identify areas for improvement, from scheduling to course design, ensuring that future events are more successful and enjoyable.

Upholding Safety and Standards

USEA-recognized events must adhere to strict safety protocols and standards. Each entry helps ensure that events meet these requirements, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the sport.

A higher number of entries fosters a competitive environment where safety and best practices are prioritized, promoting a culture of responsibility among participants and organizers alike.

Helping to Build Opportunities

A larger participant base can attract sponsors and media attention, which can provide additional opportunities for riders, including scholarships, grants, and sponsorships.

Each entry helps in establishing pathways for riders to progress through the levels of eventing, enabling them to gain experience and potentially qualify for higher-level competitions.

Understanding that the well-being of the horse, finances, travel time, transportation and many other factors can influence a rider’s decision to enter a competition, it’s important to understand the greater context of a singular entry. Participation plays a significant role in sustaining the eventing community as each entry contributes to the overall health and growth of the sport.

You can find and enter upcoming schooling and USEA-recognized competitions on STRIDER. Explore options at https://www.striderpro.com/calendar. Be sure to also keep an eye on the USEA calendar to plan your upcoming season. Visit https://useventing.com/events-competitions/calendar to see what’s coming up near you.

STRIDER is the leading entry platform across disciplines for the equestrian industry.

From enabling riders to discover and book the perfect opportunity to helping equestrians across the industry grow and run their businesses, STRIDER fosters connections to top-tier experiences. Please visit www.striderpro.com to learn more about the suite of software products and services available.

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