The following is provided through a partnership between STRIDER and the USEA. As part of our commitment to diversity, enabling access, and building capacity throughout the industry we are pleased to provide this content to benefit the sport of eventing.
As eventing competitors, you know how demanding the sport can be. Three phases (often in one day!) means there’s quite a lot to think about, tons to prepare for, and there are a lot of people involved in making everything run smoothly. A key player in making any USEA-recognized event a success is the Technical Delegate (TD).
TDs are without a doubt the unsung heroes of our sport. Not only does your event’s TD ensure the competition runs smoothly, safely, and according to the rules, he or she also makes sure that the courses are fair, the footing is safe, and that riders comply with USEA regulations.
In addition to compliance and enforcement of rules, TDs are responsible for course inspection/approval; safety and risk management, supervising event officials, managing the event schedule, and acting as a competitor liaison. That’s a lot of responsibility!
It’s important to remember that the TD is part of your team, and he or she wants to see you and your horse have as successful and safe an outing as possible. Team STRIDER caught up with Laurie Hudson, owner of Hitching Post Farm in South Royalton, Vermont, and a USEA TD to get her top tips for riders heading to a recognized horse trial to have as smooth, safe, and fun an outing as they can.
Get to Know the Rulebook
“You don’t have to have all the answers, but it’s important to know where to look if you’re unsure,” said Hudson. Be sure to review the rules and ask questions if something is unclear. Lucky for competitors, the rules are readily accessible via the USEA website here. Don’t forget that safety is an absolute priority and most rules that govern our sport are motivated by a desire to keep horses and their riders safely doing what they love.
Remember the “Why”
While recognizing that competitive endeavors can be stress inducing, Hudson urges competitors at all levels to check in with their why. “We are all human, and we are all at a competition for the love of the horses and the sport. Even if you aren’t having the best day, please be kind to everyone," she said.
Remember that cooperation is key. Event officials are acting in the best interest of competitors, horses, and the longevity of the sport. TDs are on your side, and most officials are more than happy to answer any questions you may have, especially if those questions are posed in a professional and courteous manner.
Time Matters
“Give yourself enough time!” urged Hudson. “Know your test, walk your courses, and take the time to figure out where everything is. Your competition will be so much smoother!”
Giving yourself plenty of time may also come in handy if a last minute change comes up. Your TD knows that you’ve likely planned your competition day down to the second. Sometimes ground conditions or unexpected circumstances may require a TD to make a last-minute alteration to the schedule. If that change affects your rides try to remember that these decisions are always made with the best interest of the horses and riders in mind with safety and fairness as key factors.
As we know, eventing is a sport with many, many moving parts. USEA TDs work tirelessly behind the scenes (and out in the middle of the course!) to ensure that everything runs as safely, smoothly, and fairly as possible. We hope these tips help you have a successful next outing!
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After two years on the East Coast, the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to be packing our bags and heading West for the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. On August 26-31, 2025, top USEA competitors from near and far will converge on Galway Downs in Temecula, California for the annual championship that celebrates every level of the Olympic sport of eventing from Starter through Advanced. This year’s event will again feature the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final and the USEA Adult Team Championships.
Since 2006, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has supported the sport of eventing in the U.S. and the careers of countless U.S. event riders through multiple grants including the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant (2011), Le Samurai Fund (2008), Cindy Burge Memorial ECP Grant (2006), Broussard Family Charitable Trust Going Forward Grants (2020), and the Rebecca Farm Travel Grant (2011). The USEA Foundation is excited to share that the Broussard Family Charitable Trust continues to remain committed to its support of these grants and has announced the following enhancements for 2025.
The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce that up to 10 grants of up to $2,500 each will once again be available for talented young riders aged 25 and under aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont (Quebec, Canada) U25 CCIs in June 2025.
For 13-year-old Lila Apple, the pathway to eventing hasn’t always been easy. Self-doubt and confidence issues hindered her progress, but after partnering with a precocious and experienced Thoroughbred and a new trainer who helped her hone her skills, she’s thriving—and even has this year’s USEA Interscholastic Eventing League Championships (IEL) firmly in her sights.