The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the partnership with Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) for the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships Presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC) to help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport of eventing. This year’s AEC will be held August 31-September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
“Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) was developed by eventers. It was a logical thought to approach the USEA about participating with us to promote diversity & allyship with our sport. SEE is a groundbreaking organization and the USEA is the FIRST association to join us in our important work. It makes me so proud that my sport, the one that I have made my life's work, has so enthusiastically supported this cause. Thank you. GO EVENTING!” said Heather Gillette of SEE.
SEE is an allyship program for the eventing and wider equestrian communities and represents a first step towards growing racial and ethnic diversity in our discipline. The goals of SEE align closely to those of the USEA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and include promoting a more inclusive culture within the equestrian community that values the participation, voices, and contributions of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), while educating others on how to be effective allies. This includes not just riders, but also volunteers, officials, grooms, and everyone who loves horses and horse sports.
“It is an incredible honor to be partnering with SEE for the 2021 AEC,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “The USEA Board of Governors, USEA Staff and the USEA Foundation Trustees fully support the SEE initiative in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport of eventing. We are especially excited about the grants and scholarships now housed with the USEA Foundation on behalf of SEE. Thank you SEE for everything that you do, and we are proud to be an ally in your efforts.”
Tax-deductible donations to the SEE Fund can be made through the USEA Foundation website by selecting "Strides for Equality Equestrians" from the drop-down menu.
Learn more about SEE at www.stridesforequality.org.
About the USEA American Eventing Championships
The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur, and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Beginner Novice to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of horses and riders from around the country to compete for fabulous prizes, a piece of the substantial prize money, and the chance to be named the National Champion at their respective levels. In fact, the 2019 AEC garnered over 1,000 entries and took place with 925 starters, now standing as the largest eventing competition in North American history. The 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held August 31 – September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.
The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) has initiated a renewed focus on the diverse challenges coaches in various regions of the country may be facing. To this end, the program is in the process of enlisting representatives in each of the 10 USEA areas to help guide the program as warranted for the unique needs of each specific area.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.
Anticipation for the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and inaugural USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is growing, and the host venue, Stable View, is up for the task of making both events an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the first time, the Intercollegiate and IEL program championships will be hosted on the same weekend at the Stable View H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 4-5, 2024, creating greater unity between the programs and demonstrating a clear pipeline of participation in the sport from grade school through college and beyond.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next event.