Oct 28, 2016

USEA Leads the Way in Raising Funds for Equine Medical Research

USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

Penn Valley, CA - October 20, 2016 – “Right now, less than 25 cents per horse is being spent annually on equine medical research funding in the United States, and that’s a shame when you consider how much our horses mean to us,” said Michael Van Noy, DVM.

“I challenge equine organizations in all disciplines and breeds to add a $1 equine medical research donation to every test, class, course or start in your competitions. You will make a difference and your members will support you.”

Van Noy, founder of Auburn Laboratories, Inc., can say that based on personal experience. He, along with past USEA President Keven Baumgardner and USEA Board of Governors Member Katherine Cooper, helped to initiate the USEA Equine Medical Research Program, of which Cooper is now Chair.

“USEA is in its third year of raising nearly $50,000 annually for equine medical research through a simple $1 per start donation,” Van Noy explained.

“If other organizations – such as the United States Dressage Federation with 30,000 members or the United States Hunter Jumper Association with 40,000 members, for example – donated $1 for every dressage test ridden or course jumped, equine medical research funding could be hundreds of thousands of dollars stronger.”

USEA’s fundraising system is simple: a $1 donation is added to the start fee at each event and at year-end the sum of those $1 fees is donated to select organizations including the Morris Animal Foundation, a global leader in funding scientific studies that advance the health of horses, dogs, cats and wildlife. The USEA Equine Medical Research Committee selects the equine medical research projects to support with their funds, from recommendations made to them by Morris.

In 2015, the USEA had 43,617 starters, meaning USEA members helped raise $43,617 for equine medical research last year, and starter numbers have been steadily rising in the past three years, so it is hoped that this number continues to grow for 2016.

“There’s an incredible need for more equine medical research,” Van Noy contended. “What horse owner hasn’t used sophisticated diagnostic, therapeutic or preventive healthcare options made possible by ongoing equine medical research? And who hasn’t mourned the situations where medical solutions just aren’t available yet? For all that our horses do for us, and for all they mean to us, they deserve the best care we can give them, and the best way to advance equine medical care is through research.”

Sadly, funding for equine medical research is astonishingly small, reported Van Noy. “The funding bar is pretty low at less than 25 cents per horse per year. If every competitor donated a dollar each time they competed, what would that cost over the course of a year? One latte, or two?”

Given the substantial annual spending required to support a horse ($16,000 per year by United States Equestrian Federation’s Equestrian Magazine readers, for example, or 3,200 lattes) there’s reason for hope. Increasing equine medical research funds by donating the cost of a latte or two is clearly within the budget of most horse owners, and USEA has proven that members will support it.

“USEA’s successful fundraising model proves it can be done,” said Van Noy. “Now we need other equine organizations to step up to the challenge: USDF, USHJA, USA Reining and many more. If these organizations would add a $1equine medical research donation to every test, class or course in their competitions, imagine the difference that could make for everyone’s horses.”

For more information on how your organization can accept this challenge and make a difference, contact Michael Van Noy at 530-432-8157 or email [email protected].

Dec 02, 2023 Education

Four Ways to Prep for Your 2024 Eventing Season

With the holiday spirit in full swing and the New Year just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for the 2024 eventing season. From paperwork to packing, there’s quite a bit to do before you’re ready to get out there and enjoy the season with your horse. Check out these tips from the team at STRIDER, and get your 2024 season kicked off in the most organized way possible.

Dec 01, 2023 Eventing News

USEF Announces 2024 Eventing Pathway Program Lists

The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2024, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Emerging Programs. In addition to these Eventing Pathway Program updates, several opportunities will be available in 2024 for both Program and non-Program athletes.

Dec 01, 2023 Instructors

2024 ECP Symposium to Be Held at the Florida Horse Park on Jan. 30-Feb. 1

The United States Eventing Associations’ (USEA) Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) is pleased to announce the dates and location of the upcoming 2024 ECP Symposium. The annual ECP Symposium, which is held in the southeast to accommodate the migration of eventers for the winter season, will be hosted at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida, on Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2024. This three-day immersive educational experience is recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about eventing coaching, including current coaches, riders, parents, owners or avid supporters. Click here to download the registration form today!

Nov 30, 2023 Classic Series

Looking Back at the 2023 USEA Classic Series

The USEA is incredibly proud to allow the thrill of the 'chase to live on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic long format three-day event through our USEA Classic Series events. Long-format events from the Beginner Novice to Preliminary levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. In addition, educational activities are offered at the USEA Classic Series Events to help prepare competitors, especially those who are contesting their first-ever long format event.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Real Estate Partner of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA