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May 21, 2023
Rule Refresher: What Is Considered Unauthorized Assistance in Show Jumping?
Show jumping: some eventers love it and others stress out about memorizing their course more than they do their dressage test. Running through courses at home regularly in your lessons can definitely help with perfecting the strides between lines or helping boost your memory on what jump comes next, but assistance during your round at a competition is strictly prohibited. What does that mean truly for you as the athlete? We've outlined the rule below from the USEF Rules for Eventing that addresses unauthorized assistance in show jumping to help you better understand what help you can and cannot receive while in the ring.
Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing with emphasis added by the USEA.
EV125 Show Jumping Phase Unauthorized Assistance
1. Unauthorized Assistance is any intervention by a third party with the object of helping
the Athlete or Horse, regardless if it is solicited, between crossing the start line to begin
the course and crossing the finish line after jumping the last Obstacle.
2. Unauthorized Assistance may be penalized by Elimination, at the discretion of the
Ground Jury.
a. If permitted by the Ground Jury, an Athlete may enter the arena on foot or with the help of
a groom without being penalized for Unauthorized Assistance.
b. Any help given to a mounted Athlete to adjust their saddlery or bridle or to hand them a
whip during the round must incur Elimination.
c. To hand a mounted Athlete their headgear and/or spectacles during their round must not
be penalized as Unauthorized Assistance.
d. Warning an Athlete of a deviation from the course must be penalized as Unauthorized
Assistance. The Athlete and/or the individual who have the warning may be Eliminated or
otherwise penalized, at the discretion of the Ground Jury.
Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.
Sep 20, 2023
Sponsor
How a Helmet Saved Silva Martin
When Team SmartPak Rider Silva Martin saddles up, it’s always with a helmet. Silva’s riding career has taken her from Germany all across the world before she settled in the United States in 2007—well before helmets were popular in dressage. When the traditional top hat ruled the dressage ring, riders often schooled in baseball caps or nothing at all.
Sep 20, 2023
Area Championships
Meet the 11 New Champions from the Area VII Championships at Aspen Farms
Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington, served as the beautiful backdrop for this year’s USEA Area VII Championships. In total, there were 11 championship divisions offered from the Beginner Novice level through Intermediate, in addition to the event’s regular horse trial divisions. USEA President Lou Leslie was onsite to lend a helping hand and help issue awards during the prize-giving ceremonies. Meet the 11 new USEA Area VII Champions below!
Sep 19, 2023
Eventing News
In Memoriam: Mr. Medicott
The USEA is sad to report that Mr. Medicott (Cruising x Slieveluachra) passed away on September 17 at Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Stonehall Farm in Virginia where he has enjoyed his retirement since 2019. The Irish Sport Horse gelding made quite the mark on the sport of eventing in the U.S., completing more than 50 FEI events over the course of his career with five different riders and finishing in the top 10 at 30 of those competitions. Mr. Medicott attended two Olympic Games and one World Equestrian Games for two different countries over the course of his career. “Cave,” as he was known around the barn, was 24 years old at the time of his death.
Sep 19, 2023
Eventing News
One Month Until the Pan American Games!
In just one month, the top horses and riders in North America, Central America, and South America will present their horses in the first horse inspection at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Held from Oct. 26-29, the 19th edition of the Pan Ams will serve as an Olympic qualifier for those countries not yet qualified for Paris 2024.
