United States Eventing Association

Open Forums Introduce New Discussion at USEA Convention

Each year the USEA hosts an Annual Meeting and Convention to bring lovers of the sport together for a long weekend of celebration, education and most importantly, discussion. There is an open forum for nearly every topic relating to eventing where issues can be raised and ideas can be shared. Here are a few of the talking points from some of those very important forums:

Organizers Open Forum

The Organizers Open Forum offers organizers from around the country a chance to collaborate with their fellow organizers and discuss issues and ideas of the day. Some topics included in this year’s open forum were:

• Why should organizers offer modified level? Educational opportunity
• Organizers are struggling with riders entering on closing date (or later). What can they do? Suggestions included scaled entry, creating a new area-wide or nation-wide policy, allowing a 7 day grace period after closing date for refunds (minus an office fee)
• What is the point of a grounds fee? Common complaint by riders. Explained by organizers that it pays for porta potties and water to go to the haul-in area. Also helps offset the costs of the stabling.
• If an events fills on opening day is it fair to take incomplete entries before the wait list? Technically speaking the rule says that entry has to be complete to be accepted. Managing a wait list is difficult.
• Do you allow XEntry entries without payment? No – entry doesn’t count until it has payment.
• What do you do with people who write bad checks? System in place with the USEF that you can file it and they will go after the rider/owner and they will recoup their funds.
• Can you a deny an entry for the next year for repeat offenders who do not follow competition or venue rules? Yes, but you have to have documentation.

Classic Three-Day Committee Open Forum

The USEA Classic Three-Day’s Open Forum drew a lot of riders who are interested in competing at a Classic Series event, as well as organizers who currently host those events. The newly resurrected Committee led by Gretchen Butts shared updates on what they have been working on the last few months as well as took suggestions on promoting the format.

A big focus of the Classic Series events is education so the Committee is working on gathering resources that will be readily available on the USEA website and spoke about getting in contact with interested riders earlier so they can prepare in advance for the competitions. The Committee is working on revamping the Classic Series guidelines for all levels so that there can be a safe, level playing field for all riders across the country.

The Committee would also like to make the Preliminary Three-Day level qualifications for CCIs in order to draw in young riders and professionals who are chasing qualifications, but still would like to participate in the Classic Series. They are also looking into fleshing out the requirements for Modified level Three-Days.

The USEF Event Owners Task Force Open Forum

For several years the USEF Event Owners Task Force Open has worked to make the experience better for owners as well as trying to bring more owners into the sport. Mark Hart, the task force chair opened up the room to the riders and other owners for their input on problems and what can be fixed. Ideas given included:

• Provide shuttles for elderly owners who have a hard time walking out to the courses
• Provide more information to announcers about owners and breeders of the horses
• Give owners “membership cards” which they can show to volunteers in order to get special parking and privileges
• Have a volunteer position that just caters to owners and sponsors
• Create a dating website for owners, breeders and riders to match them up
• Promote sales horses better at the YEH qualifiers and championships

Amateur Open Forum

For the first time in USEA history, adult amateur’s met for an open forum to discuss amateur-specific issues. A call for more amateur representation was one of the biggest points from the USEA Sport Summit held at last year’s Convention. In response, the USEA has established amateur forums to be hosted around the country and here at the Annual Meeting.

• Amateurs make up 65% of the USEA Membership
• Amateur issues brought up at the 2015 Summit
  • One day shows – cost issue
  • Amateur divisions – even playing field
  • Eliminations – more leeway when safety is not an issue
  • Level creep
• Amateur Governance
  • Amateurs > Amateur Forum (From Area Adult Rider Coordinator) > Adult Rider Committee > Board of Governors
  • Any concerns should be brought up to your Area Adult Rider Coordinator
• The continuing discussion: riders want more, but want costs to decrease
  • Horse trials are expensive
    • Area I Adult Rider Coordinator Suzanne Adams reported that a New England event reported $22,500 expenses, $4,300 profit and $34.40 profit per competitor.
  • “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side”
    • Recognized dressage and jumper shows can often prove to be more expensive than a horse trial
• Rider responsibility – make sure you are physically fit to compete and find a great trainer through the ICP program
• If you have an issue, speak out to your Adult Rider Coordinator.
  • “We serve to make your participation of the sport meaningful. At the end of the day it’s about you and your horses.” – incoming USEA President, Carol Kozlowski

About the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting and Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by eventing enthusiasts. The 2016 Annual Meeting and Convention is taking place at the Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. December 7-11, 2016.

Thank you to our amazing lineup of sponsors that make this event possible: Merck Animal Health, Standlee Hay Forage, Nutrena, Adequan, Devoucoux, Charles Owen, SmartPak, Rebecca Farm, Mountain Horse, Auburn Laboratories Inc., Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency, Eventing Training Online, Stackhouse Saddles, Point Two Air Jackets, Gallops Saddlery, Professional’s Choice, World Equestrian Brands, Bit of Britain, CWD, H.E. Tex Sutton Forwarding Company, Jump 4 Joy, The Fork at TIEC and more!

Click here for more information on Convention