United States Eventing Association

UGA Eventing Team Organizes College Team Challenge to be Held at FENCE Horse Trials

The newly formed Eventing Team at the University of Georgia, along with FENCE Equestrian Center, has issued a College Team Challenge to be held as part of the April 13 -14th horse trials. Colleges and universities with eventing teams will compete on both an individual level and as part of their team. These schools are also encouraged to send alumnae teams. The scoring will be done in the same method as the Virginia Horse Trials College Challenge, so that all levels compete on an even playing field. There will be separate ribbons and prizes for the winning school as well as a ton of bragging rights! Please contact FENCE for more information and to sign your school up for the Challenge.

January 2013 marked the inauguration of the Eventing Team at UGA. The membership includes 20 riders from the Beginner Novice through the Advanced level and is growing rapidly. The team has a robust schedule for the spring semester including a show jumping clinic with Olympian Imtiaz Anees atPascova Farm, a cross-country schooling with 3 Star rider Mary Bess Davis at Cedar Ridge Farm, and a practice event including a Ride-A-Test with USDF silver medalist and certified judge Kelly Eaton and a SJ/XC derby. The Eventing Team at UGA will finish up the first season at the College Team Challenge in April at the FENCE horse trials.

Collegiate eventing teams are unique in that eventers can continue to compete on their own horse and benefit from team functions on their own schedule. The team provides a support group, camaraderie and an opportunity to work with top-level riders as well as to learn from each other. The team also welcomes members who do not have a competition horse at the moment and those who would just like to learn about the sport of eventing.UGA is joining the growing number of collegiate eventing teams. These teams help to close the gap in US eventing, as stated best by International eventer Michael Pollard : "If we redirected these riding programs and teams towards the three Olympic disciplines, we could bridge the gap between 18 and 21, and develop the strength and depth found in other U.S. Olympic programs. " Our hope is that the ranks of collegiate eventing teams will grow, as this model proves successful.

We are continually amazed at the amount of interest and enthusiastic response from college students as well as high school students, alumnae, and the eventing community here at UGA. Please like our Facebook page and contact Jorja at [email protected] for more information about the Eventing Team at UGA.