Nov 27, 2017

Rule Refresher: Disqualification

By Jessica Duffy - USEA Staff
USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

Disqualification from competition can occur for a number of reasons, so make sure you’re familiar with the different ways in which a rider can be disqualified to avoid making a costly mistake! Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules For Eventing, with emphasis added by the USEA.

EV117 Disqualification

1. Disqualification means that a competitor and his horse(s) may not take further part in the Event. It is applied at the discretion of the Ground Jury.
2. Ground Jury may disqualify a competitor in the following cases when, in its opinion, the action constitutes unsportsmanlike or abusive conduct:

a. Allowing anyone other than the competitor to school his horse, EV108.2a.
b. Riding in the Dressage arena or in the Jumping arena prior to the actual competition, EV108.2c.
c. Riding close to Cross-Country obstacles prior to the actual competition, EV108.2c.
d. Jumping practice fences that are not flagged, EV108.3c and EV108.3d.
e. Jumping practice fences in the wrong direction, EV108.3d.
f. Jumping practice fences while they are being held, EV108.3d.
g. Jumping practice fences that have been raised above the height or beyond the spread allowed, EV108.3d.
h. Jumping practice fences at times other than those laid down by the Organizer, EV108.3d.
i. Inspecting the obstacles of the Cross-Country course before they are officially shown to all competitors, EV109.1a.
j. Inspecting the obstacles of the Jumping course when the arena is closed, EV109.2.
k. Entering the Jumping arena on foot after the competition has started, EV109.2.
l. Abuse of horse, EV111.
m. Exercising with improper saddlery, EV115.1.
n. Use of a radio or cellular phone while competing. EV116

Apr 23, 2025 Competitions

The 2025 K3DE Daily: First Horse Inspection

It's the most wonderful time of the year—and we aren't talking about the holiday season. Welcome to 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) week! This week the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, will be crawling with eventing lovers from all across the globe for the first five-star of the 2025 season and the USEA is excited to once again be onsite for all of the action.

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.

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