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Mar 12, 2021
Rule Refresher: The "11 Penalty" Rule
With the introduction of frangible devices for cross-country fences came the introduction of penalties associated with activating a fence's frangible device. In 2015, the FEI rule regarding frangible devices, which originally gave a rider 21 penalties for activating a frangible device, was changed to 11 penalties. Effective on December 1, 2020, the USEF adopted a similar rule for nationally recognized competitions, also giving riders 11 penalties for activating a frangible device.
Below you will find the rules regarding penalties for activating a frangible device for both the USEF Rules for Eventing, which pertain to national competition for the Modified through Advanced levels, and FEI Eventing Rules, which pertain to all international competition for the CCI* through CCI5*-L levels. Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing and FEI Eventing Rules with emphasis added by the USEA.
USEF Rules for Eventing
EV141 Cross-Country Scoring
FAULTS AT OBSTACLES
a. Disobediences
- First refusal, run-out or circle - 20 penalties
- Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle - 40 penalties
- Third refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle - Elimination
- Third penalized disobedience on the entire course at Preliminary, Intermediate or Advanced - Elimination
- Fourth penalized disobedience on the entire course at Beginner Novice, Novice, Training or Modified - Elimination
- Activating a frangible fence - 11 penalties
FEI Eventing Rules
548 Scoring
548.1 Faults at Obstacles
| Fault | Penalty |
| First refusal, run-out or circle | 20 penalties |
| Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle | 40 penalties |
| Third refusal, run-out or circle on course | elimination |
| Fall of Athlete or Horse on course | elimination |
| Activating a frangible device where the dimension of the fence is modified | 11 penalties |
| Dangerous Riding | 25 penalties |
| Missing a flag as per art. 549.2 | 15 penalties |
Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.
Jun 01, 2023
AEC
3 Months Until the 2023 USEA AEC: Plan your Trip to Lexington, Kentucky!
The 2023 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is just a few months away, which means it is time to start planning a trip to Lexington, Kentucky! This year, the AEC will return to the iconic Kentucky Horse Park from Aug. 29 through Sept. 3, 2023. Coined as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington had countless attractions and activities to explore! The AEC will offer up to 23 divisions this year covering all levels from Beginner Novice to Advanced, including the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final. The AEC will also host the 2023 USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary levels, as well as the new Modified Adult Team Championship.
May 31, 2023
Eventing News
Virginia Horse Center Eventing Wrap-Up
Virginia Horse Center Eventing, presented by Capital Square, wrapped up on May 28 after a fun-filled weekend of top competition. The Virginia Horse Center welcomed riders of all levels from Olympic to beginner eventers.
The course updates and world class officials made the inaugural VHC Eventing memorable. The entire VHC Eventing management team and the Virginia Horse Center appreciate all who competed at this weekend's event, and we look forward to welcoming you back in November!
May 31, 2023
Eventing News
Weekend Quick Links: June 1-4
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
May 31, 2023
Instructors
Using the German Training Scale as an Evaluation Tool
The German Training Scale (GTS) is a system of evaluating and prioritizing the way of going of the horse in work and should be used to determine where you start your daily program. The Familiarization Phase of rhythm and relaxation are followed by the Developing of Propulsion Phase introducing connection and impulsion with straightness and collection in the Development of Carrying Power. The clearer the basics of rhythm, relaxation, and connection are established, the easier impulsion, straightness, and collection can be added.
