Feb 13, 2020

New Addition to VIP: The Volunteer Medal Program

By Claire Kelley - USEA Staff
Volunteers at the Plantation Field International Event. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

The USEA Volunteer Committee is pleased to announce a new Volunteer Medal Program has been added to the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program presented by Sunsprite Warmbloods (VIP) starting this year. The Volunteer Medal Program will recognize the volunteers who consistently volunteer year after year. Hours earned are cumulative over a lifetime of volunteer service. Only volunteer hours logged and tallied via eventingvolunteers.com will be counted towards the medal program.

To earn a bronze medal, volunteers must record 500 volunteer hours and will be awarded an embroidered polo shirt, pin, and certificate. To earn a silver medal, volunteers must record 1,000 volunteer hours and will be awarded an embroidered vest, pin, and certificate. To earn a gold medal, volunteers must record 2,000 volunteer hours and will be awarded an embroidered jacket, pin, and certificate.

Awards will be distributed in December of each year. The Volunteer Medal Program leaderboard is available on eventingvolunteers.com.

Volunteers who have already earned a bronze medal include Michael Smallwood with 701 hours and 27 minutes, Diane Bird with 669 hours and 43 minutes, Paige Ervin with 621 hours and 22 minutes, and Art Bird with 556 hours and 9 minutes. These hours have accumulated since December 1, 2016.

Thank you to all the hardworking volunteers who keep the sport of eventing alive!

For more information on the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program, please click here.

About the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport, the unsung heroes, and the people who make it possible to keep the sport alive. In efforts to recognize the dedication, commitment, and hard work that volunteers put into eventing, USEA formed the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) in 2015. In 2017, an online management portal was designed for volunteers, organizers, and volunteer coordinators at EventingVolunteers.com (available as an app for iOS and Android).

Volunteer incentives include national and area recognition, year-end awards with ribbons, cash prizes, and trophies, a top ten USEA Volunteer leaderboard, and a Volunteer of the Year award which is given to the volunteer who tops the leaderboard by accumulating the most volunteer hours over the USEA competition year. Click here to learn more about the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program.

The USEA would like to thank Sunsprite Warmbloods for sponsoring the Volunteer Incentive Program

Apr 22, 2025 News

In Memoriam: Dr. Timothy Holekamp (1946-2025)

The USEA is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Timothy “Tim” Holekamp on April 19. He was 79.

Apr 22, 2025

Shop New USEA Merchandise at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

While we all attend the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event for the competition, the next best thing about the event is definitely the shopping! The USEA is excited to be back on-site at the Kentucky Horse Park for the competition this year and to debut some all-new apparel items for the 2025 season. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect to see at our booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, this year.

Apr 22, 2025 Competitions

Fast Facts: 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

They don't call it the "Best Weekend All Year" for no reason! If you love the sport of eventing (or just horses in general) the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is most likely a staple on your calendar or a must-see on your bucket list. This week, thousands of eventing lovers will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for one of two U.S.-based five-stars that takes place each year, as well as top-shelf CCI4*-S competition and two nights of spectacular show jumping.

Apr 22, 2025 Adult Riders

USEA Adult Riders Program to Host Course Walk with Derek di Grazia at 2025 #K3DE

Will you be at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this year? Are you a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program? Then you will not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to join cross-country course designer Derek di Grazia on a walk of the CCI5*-L cross-country course. The USEA-hosted event will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA