Jul 20, 2020

USEA Podcast #262: #FrangibleNow

By USEA

In the latest episode of the USEA Podcast, Nicole Brown talks with USEA CEO Rob Burk and Jon Holling, Chair of the Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee, to get an update on the Frangible Technology Fund and the impact that it has had on the sport so far.

  • Brown introduces Holling and he takes a moment to explain his role as a member of the Safety and Equine Welfare Committee and Chair of the Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee. The committee, which is in its fourth year, is tasked with reviewing issues that crop up within the cross-country portion of the sport, including accidents or anything they view as possibly causing an issue down the road, and then come up with recommendations for making the sport safer. Part of his role involves liaising with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
  • The USEA has been committed to making advances in safety in the sport for many years. Click here to view some of the different safety initiatives the USEA has been involved in over the years.
  • This spring, the USEA Foundation joined forces with a group of dedicated eventers to launch the Frangible Technology Fund to help fund the construction of frangible tables at the Preliminary level and above at events across the country. The USEA Foundation received a matching donation from the Manton Foundation of $250,000 to help the Fund reach its goal of $500,000. So far, the Fund has raised over $323,000, and Holling acknowledged that none of that would have been possible without the membership.
  • "My hope is that we get to the $500,000 goal and then we do the next thing and then we do the next thing and the next thing, and that we get to the place where every single fence that can be frangible on cross-country is able to be frangible on cross-country, and should be."
  • Equally important to Holling is maintaining the essence and the true spirit of cross-country. By keeping a penalty associated with activating a frangible device, Holling believes riders will continue to respect the fences and give them the ride they deserve.
  • Burk speaks a bit more about how the grant program came together and the process that event organizers used to apply for the grant and receive the frangible equipment and funds to assist with the build of the fences.
  • Holling has literal skin in this game - as part of the fundraising initiative, he promised to have #FrangibleNow tattooed on his ribs! Do you have a suggestion for what Holling should do when we reach our goal of $500,000? Email [email protected]!
  • Ready to do your part? Visit www.useafoundation.org to donate to the Frangible Technology Fund today!

Subscribe to the USEA Official Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodBean, or Stitcher!

May 23, 2025 Eventing News

USEA EA21 Athlete Megan Hopkins Leads the Field in CCI3*-S at Virginia Horse Center

The Virginia Horse Center was bustling with activity during day one of Virginia Horse Center Eventing horse trials, presented by Capital Square. A total of four FEI divisions and six national divisions kicked off the competition weekend. Two long-format competitions, a CCI1*-L and a CCI2*-L, completed their dressage tests on Friday, May 23rd, while the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S tackled two phases— dressage and show jumping.

May 23, 2025 Association News

British Eventing and the United States Eventing Association Forge Historic International Partnership

In a landmark move for the global eventing community, British Eventing (BE) and the United States Eventing Association (USEA) have formalized a first-of-its-kind international partnership aimed at fostering strategic growth, innovation, and excellence within the sport of eventing.

May 22, 2025 Rules

Rule Refresher: Submitting an Inquiry, Protest, or Appeal

There may come a time at a competition where you wish to submit an inquiry, protest, or appeal, and it is important for you to understand the difference between the three and how to go about handling each scenario. Luckily, the USEF Rules for Eventing has clear outlines on how to do so. Let's take a look at the current regulations as of today's publish date to see how to handle these situations should they arise.

May 21, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: May 24-25

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA