United States Eventing Association

Not all USEA members have their sights set on competing in their Area Championships, the American Eventing Championships, or even any of the USEA’s many programs (Gold Cup, Young Event Horse, or Future Event Horse)…but many do. What about you? What are your competition goals? Do you have desires to compete at these prestigious events, or are happy with competing when and where you’re able and comfortable?

We all know that the economy has taken a toll on many of our members – has this affected your competition season? Have you opted to take a few more lessons, instead of entering a few more events? Or vice versa?

Or perhaps you’ve headed off to college, started a family, sold your horse, had to take care of an ailing horse, or any number of reasons that required you to take a leave of absence from competing in eventing this year. What’s your story…and will you be back?

Do you have a young horse you’re bringing up the levels? Are you a veteran Novice competitor with no desire to compete above the lower levels? Are you a budding professional? Are you hoping to get to a long-format this year, or even start competing at the FEI level? What is the highlight of your season?

Or, maybe your competitive goals are much simpler… earn a sub-40 or sub-30 dressage score (or, ahem, sub-50…we all have goals!) or a double-clean show jumping trip, keep your green horse from scooting out the dressage ring at his first event, canter confidently through the water complex without tiptoeing in first….

Maybe you don’t compete… but you’re part of a close-knit support crew. How will you help them achieve their competitive goals? Perhaps you’ll drive a two-hour round trip to the barn five days a week, just so your child can prepare for and succeed in their upcoming season with their dearly loved pony. You and your band of merry eventers will be the unsung heroes when you tackle the thorny weeds at a local schooling facility with weedwhacker and nippers in hand, ensuring safe and enjoyable courses for your fellow riders. Maybe you’ll earn your ICP certification, volunteer in the 10-minute box at a three-day event, or get the chance to train with a top rider or perhaps aid in their goal of competing at the highest levels of the sport.

We want to hear from you – what does your season look like? What are your goals for this season, and how will you accomplish them? How have your goals changed from last year?