USEA Medal Program, founded in 2009, aims to recognize riders who steadily work to hone their skills at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels. Medals won are a testament to a high level of proficiency achieved. These are awarded to a rider who finishes three horse trials at a particular level with a final score below a preset requirement (i.e. for a Novice Bronze medal you must finish on a score of a 50 or below). Each of the final scores must be earned at separate locations, and all scores counting toward the medal program must include zero cross-country jump penalties. Competitors must also have a current USEA Membership at the time that scores are achieved.
Members can compete at their own pace, and medals can be earned cumulatively as there are no time or year limitations. It is not solely based on a top placing, but how well one rode amongst the rest of the class, at a variety of venues. Competing at this caliber consistently is an impressive feat for any rider. Medal winner will receive a certificate and lapel pin.
Owners also receive acknowledgment, as the program recognizes the horse’s success separately from the rider. Horses must be registered as required for the level at which it is competing, including at least Limited Registration for Beginner Novice horses. If an application is filed, horses will receive recognition via a certificate mailed to the owner.
Completed applications should be mailed, faxed or emailed to the USEA office. If you have questions about the USEA Medal Program, please contact Michele at [email protected] or 703-779-9890.
Requirements for the USEA Medal Program:
Beginner Novice
o Bronze Medal - Must finish on a score of 50 or less three times - scores must be obtained at two different venues
o Silver Medal - Must finish on a score of 45 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
o Gold Medal - Must finish on a score of 35 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
Novice
o Bronze Medal - Must finish on a score of 45 or less three times - scores must be obtained at two different venues
o Silver Medal - Must finish on a score of 40 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
o Gold Medal - Must finish on a score of 35 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
Training
o Bronze Medal - Must finish on a score of 50 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
o Silver Medal - Must finish on a score of 45 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
o Gold Medal - Must finish on a score of 35 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
Preliminary
o Bronze Medal - Must finish on a score of 55 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
o Silver Medal - Must finish on a score of 45 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
o Gold Medal - Must finish on a score of 40 or less three times - scores must be obtained at three different venues
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is proud to announce the first class of USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Judges have completed their certifications through the YEH New Judge Education Program, which was led by YEH faculty member, Marilyn Payne.
Nazila Hejazi and her 20-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter mare, Tessa, may have made for an unconventional pair at the USEA Area VI Championships, held in October at Galway Downs (Temecula, California) but they didn’t let that hold them back. It’s uncommon to see a horse in their twenties still competing in eventing, and even more rare for a gaited horse to compete in a jumping sport.
Today, we pause to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on the powerful moment in 1963 when he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his vision for a better future. Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech was more than just words; it was a call to action that transcended time, culture, and boundaries—a beacon of hope that continues to inspire.
We’ve all been there—on the horse who pokes his way around the warm-up ring, needs leg, leg, leg coming into the combination, or brings up the rear on every trail ride. None of us wants each and every ride to be a lower-body squeezefest, nor do we wish to do anything with our crop except maybe wave it at that annoying deerfly. In this excerpt from his book The Sport Horse Problem Solver, former international eventer Eric Smiley explains the essential quality of forwardness and how to prepare the horse to expect you to look for it in all that you do together.