United States Eventing Association

Rider Responsibility and the Two Track System

Accomplished horsewoman Debbie Atkinson shares her thoughts on the two-track system in eventing for the Training levels, one being a "step up" to Preliminary and the other being a regular Training division as it’s always been. Of course, this is still in the brainstorming process, and may never become a new system…but it’s worth discussing. What are your thoughts regarding this system?

Thank you Debbie for this enlightening article!

I've been in the horse business for 30 years with experience in show hunters, jumpers, race horses, breeding, and as of late event horses. For the last fourteen years, I owned and managed a boarding barn in Thompson Station, Tennessee. I competed event horses, many of them homebreds, from the beginner novice to intermediate-levels. I also instructed and coached students through the same levels. In September, 2006 I was injured competing at KY Classic Horse Trials. The result of that accident was a severe spinal cord injury confining me to a wheelchair. I am hoping that the knowledge I've gained through the years will be helpful to other horse people.

If you become a responsible rider who studies the situation of eventing today there will be no need for the two track system. As I see it this two track system will benefit professional riders who are coaching students trying to go up the levels...

These students would be able to compete at the same events as their coaches, just riding altered courses which are presumably safer. But are the students really learning how to ride?

My suggestions echo other esteemed horsemen; students must learn the correct position to stay balanced on a galloping horse. Both horse and rider must have the ability to collect that galloping stride for combinations and turning questions.. This training begins in the dressage arena with lengthening and shortening the horses stride. Then riders have to get out in the open fields with undulating terrain and try the same exercises. When this is accomplished, jumps can be added, simulating competition cross country questions. (Editor's note - Capt. Mark Phillips demonstrated the proper galloping position at the USEA Convention back in December.)

Events with hilly terrain can set obstacles at the novice level that create havoc with horses and riders unless they have trained for these situations. That training is needed when you go up the levels and the speeds increase. If you are a coach/instructor, why allow students to begin competing without this ability? I think this happens because there is pressure put on coaches from their students or students parents to get out there and start competing. I've known students who leave one coach for another because they felt held back. Not only do the riders need to be skilled but their horses do as well.

Education is the key for horse and rider. Making the courses easier or with more black flag options won't necessarily make things safer. Even if you're not going to compete at the FEI levels you still need to know how to ride cross country properly. Again the need for riders to become responsible. Choose good coaches that can help you and your horse safely move through the levels or just get better at the level you're in. So is the answer mandatory certification for instructors? Or do riders need to do their homework and seek out professionals whose students ride safely and confidently. Bottom line riders need to assume some responsibility for themselves and their horses.

(Editor's Note: Looking for good instructors? Check out USEA's list of certified ICP instructors all across the country.)