Sep 02, 2015

USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Study Picks up the Pace

Volunteers working at the very first cardiopulmonary study at Plantation Field in 2009. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo

Thank you to those who participated in our Cardiopulmonary Research Group studies at Waredaca 2014, Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials I, 2015 and Fair Hill Horse Trials, 2015. Without your continued support, this study would not be possible. So far we have instrumented 65 horses in the Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels. We will be at the Plantation Field International CIC in September and the Fair Hill International Three-Day in October and still need volunteers at all levels. If you are willing to volunteer please email Catherine Kohn, DVM. At the event, look for our banner and signs.

Who are we and what are we doing? The Cardiopulmonary Research group was put together by the USEA in response to a perceived increase in sudden deaths associated with the cross-country phase of Eventing. Sudden deaths that occur in Eventing are presumed to be arrhythmogenic in origin (caused by severe irregularities in heart rhythm), when no other cause is identifiable. The main study goals are to characterize heart rhythms prior to, during and immediately after cross-country in healthy horses competing in various levels, gather data on heart rate during cross-country and compare types of arrhythmias and heart rates across the different levels of competition. The research group is composed of volunteers (veterinarians, riders and others) who donate their time and expertise to collect and analyze data.

What’s involved? The success of this endeavor depends on you as riders, trainers and owners to volunteer your time and your horses to be instrumented with recording devices. These devices record the heart rhythm (ECG) and heart rate. (Currently available heart rate monitors used for fitness training obtain heart rates, but do not obtain heart rhythm information.) It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to listen to the horse’s heart for any murmurs and apply the recording device underneath the saddle prior to cross-country (and prior to stadium depending on event). The horse’s usual saddle, girth and pad(s) are used. Following cross-country, the device is easily removed along with the saddle and the digital data is then downloaded to a computer for review. ECGs are read for significant arrhythmias at the event and will be later reviewed in detail for more subtle arrhythmias. Riders will be informed of any heart murmurs at the time of the physical examination and of any concerning heart arrhythmias as soon as possible (usually same day as the Event). Benign arrhythmias will not be reported to riders individually, but will be summarized at the conclusion of the study. (All information pertaining to specific horses/riders/owners is kept confidential.)

An example ECG taken during cross-country at one of the previous studies.

To donate to this important study visit www.useafoundation.org.

Jun 06, 2023 Eventing News

Hollberg Takes Top Honors in Open Intermediate and Preliminary Divisions at 2023 Essex Horse Trials

Hannah Sue Hollberg of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, was on a winning streak at the Essex Horse Trials on Sunday, claiming victory in both the $10,000 Open Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions with two horses that are fairly new to her. Some difficulty on cross-country did not stop her mount Hachi from claiming victory in the Open Intermediate with a score of 101.6, while Open Preliminary partner Rockster finished on his dressage score of 27.3.

Jun 06, 2023 Profile

“And again, and again, and again”: Knowing When to Come Again and When to Switch Up an Exercise

The great football coach Vince Lombardi said, “We win our games in practice.” With the goal of having the most effective practices possible for horses, their riders, and their coaches, Cathy Wieschhoff explains some signs that can indicate when horse and rider should repeat an exercise, switch it up, or be done with that activity. Wieschhoff brings perspective as a five-star rider that has competed at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and Burghley Horse Trials, a USEF “R” Course Designer for eventing cross-country and show jumping, a former Area VIII chair and member of the USEA Board of Governors, and a Level V USEA ECP Certified Coach based out of Carriage Station Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Jun 05, 2023 Eventing News

USEF Announces Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup Poland CCIO4*-NC-S

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Poland CCIO4*-NC-S at the Strzegom Horse Trials (Poland) from June 21-25, 2023. The team will be under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law.

Jun 05, 2023 Young Event Horse

Become a YEH Judge: USEA Launches YEH New Judge Education Program

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to announce the launch of the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) New Judge Education Program. Qualifying candidates, who are no longer required to hold a USEF judge’s license, will be encouraged to sign up to participate in the YEH New Judge Education Program to receive certification to judge the Jumping and Galloping phases of Young Event Horse competitions.

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