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
Riders in both the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L are sharing similar sentiments about this year's cross-country courses: course designer Derek di Grazia didn't play around this year. Here is what some of the riders across both divisions had to say about the tracks they will aim to conquer on Saturday.
Off The Record decided not to let Michael Jung be the only record-breaking entry at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this week and delivered a career-best score in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S on Friday morning. He and Will Coleman delivered a test that received a score of 21.8, not only marking a personal best for the horse but also securing their position at the top of the leaderboard going into cross-country tomorrow.
Boyd Martin and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Commando 3 were the last pair to go in the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L field on Friday afternoon and were warmly greeted to the bluegrass with an impressive downpour that outshined anything the other horse and rider pairs had to combat throughout the day. But that didn’t stop this pair from putting their best foot forward and impressing the judges enough to earn them a score of 26.0, just 0.2 points ahead of second-place pair Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality.
Please always remain vigilant when it comes to sending any personal communications via email or text. Every year we receive reports of members and leaders of our sport receiving phishing attempts both online and by phone. These are often communications disguised as being sent from USEA staff or other leaders. As the years go on, the phishing attempts appear to be more directed and tailored.