Tag: Rule Refresher

Aug 13, 2023

Rule Refresher: Loss of Qualifications

Sometimes things don't go according to plan while competing, and you and your horse may have to drop down a level and re-qualify for the level you wish to be competing at. The USEF Rules for Eventing outlines loss of qualifications for horses and athletes to make sure you know what you need to do to move back up safely.

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Jul 16, 2023 Rules

Rule Refresher: Wait...What Does that Flag Mean?

There is no better feeling than galloping through your cross-country course feeling like you are hitting every distance right out of stride and making easy work of the time... and then you see a few jumps in close proximity to one another and think to yourself, "Wait, which jump is mine?" Knowing the different flags you might encounter on cross-country and what they mean is critical to your success in this phase of eventing. Thankfully, these flags are clearly outlined in the USEF Rules for Eventing, and we have included the applicable excerpt to help you better understand.

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Jun 25, 2023 Rules

Rule Refresher: Cross-Country Phase Obstacles

The cross-country phase is what makes eventing stand out among equestrian sports. There’s an adrenaline rush riders experience when out on cross-country that is unmatched in eventing’s other phases. The cross-country course also gives each show and venue its unique flavor. Nonetheless, while each course may be different, the rule below from the USEF Rules for Eventing governs what riders and horses can expect to see during the cross-country phase of an event.

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May 21, 2023 Rules

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.

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May 05, 2023 Rules

Rule Refresher: New Rules Approved by the USEF Go Into Effect May 1, 2023

The U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Board of Directors met in mid-April and approved proposed extraordinary rule changes which apply to the sport of eventing. These rule changes went into effect on May 1, 2023, and the official USEF Rules for Eventing has also been updated. In order to best help competitors prepare for these new updates, we have provided outlines below, specifically to the most highly-discussed rule change proposal surrounding falls on cross-country outlined in rule EV122.

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Mar 11, 2023 Rules

Rule Refresher: Breaking Ties

Picture this: you've had a great competition weekend. You and your horse have put in three wonderful phases, only to find out that you and another horse and rider pair have finished on the same exact score! Now what? The rules on tie breaking are outlined very clearly in the USEF Rules for Eventing to help you better understand what processes will help break a tie should you ever encounter one. You can review the excerpt from the rulebook below.

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Feb 04, 2023 Rules

Rule Refresher: What Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) Do I Need to Meet?

It’s a new year and a new eventing season—time to go out and meet your eventing goals for the season! For some eventers, that goal is a move up to a new level. As you plan your season out around meeting the Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) to qualify for a move up, it's important that you are up to date on the most recent rules in the USEF Rules for Eventing.

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Jul 17, 2022 Rules

Rule Refresher: What Will Be Expected of Me at the Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced Level?

Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? In the last few editions of Rule Refresher we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase and in this final edition we outline the Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.

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Jun 28, 2022 Rules

Rule Refresher: What Will Be Expected of Me at the Training and Modified Level?

Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? Over the course of the next few Rule Refreshers, we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase. Want to better prepare yourself or your students for their first competition or a move-up? The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels is a free resource to all USEA members that outlines clear and consistent guidelines for riders and trainers to refer to when navigating their way through the competition levels.

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May 26, 2022 Education

Rule Refresher: What Will Be Expected of Me at the Beginner Novice or Novice Level?

Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? Over the course of the next few Rule Refreshers, we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase. Want to better prepare yourself or your students for their first competition or a move-up? The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels is a free resource to all USEA members that outlines clear and consistent guidelines for riders and trainers to refer to when navigating their way through the competition levels. You can access this guide by logging into your online services account.

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Apr 09, 2022 Rules

Rule Refresher: Wait What Did that Bell Mean?

Nothing strikes panic in the heart of eventers like trotting through the ring only to hear ding ding. So many thoughts run through your head: "Was that bell for me? Why did they ring the bell?" Check out all of the reasons why you might hear the sound of a bell while you are competing below.

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