The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is pleased to announce the Retired Racehorse Project as a “Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC).” In return, the USEA will be supporting the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, which takes place Oct. 9-12 in Lexington, Kentucky, as a “Starting Gate Sponsor.”
“The sport of eventing has been a platform where the Thoroughbred shines for generations and both the RRP and USEA are committed to keeping it that way for generations to come. To that end, the RRP is pleased continue our longstanding and mutually supportive relationship with USEA.," said Retired Racehorse Project's Executive Director Kirsten Green
The Retired Racehorse Project (also known as “The RRP”) is an organization that aims to foster Thoroughbreds that have formerly raced into second homes and careers via increasing the demand for them in equestrian sports. The RRP hosts the Thoroughbred Makeover annually to show the world the talent of retired racehorses in other roles. The RRP seeks to enlighten the world of all Thoroughbreds can do outside of racing, as well as empower those who train them.
“The USEA is thrilled to have the Retired Racehorse Project as a sponsor again for 2024’s AEC.
The RRP is a wonderful organization that promotes the Thoroughbred, a breed that we see every day in eventing. The RRP, as well as the USEA, promote our sport and empower our riders. Thoroughbreds have long been a stalwart in our sport, and with the help of the RRP will continue to be,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk.
To learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project, their events, and the Thoroughbred Makeover, visit them online at https://www.therrp.org/.
About the United States Eventing Association
The USEA 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 a strong and continuous training opportunity 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. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.
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.
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.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.
The USEA office will close at 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, and will reopen again on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. The USEA staff will return emails and phone calls when the office re-opens on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 or at their earliest convenience.