Mar 15, 2021

USEA Podcast #279: Jumping to Success

By USEA

On this week’s USEA Official Podcast host Nicole Brown is first joined by show jumping course designer extraordinaire Marc Donovan who shares insights that you don’t want to miss hearing before you ride your next show jumping course! Later in the episode, Brown catches up with USEA CEO Rob Burk to discuss the latest on the Appendix 3 rule change proposal.

  • Brown and Donovan open by discussing how show jumping in eventing has changed over the years. Timing, the look of the jumps, technicality – there are lots of areas that have seen evolution over the last few years. Donovan said that horses jumping his tracks have gotten better and better, so the sport needs to evolve with the quality of the horses.
  • The pair then talk a little bit about what riders can do at home to prepare their toolbox for show jumping competition. Be sure to listen in to find out why a tape measure is important to have at home and a great exercise to be prepared for the event.
  • Time is often talked about during cross-country, but it is just as important to prepare to ride the show jumping course at an accurate pace. Donovan also suggested practicing with distances that are different lengths, so you are prepared to adjust your horse in competition.
  • What happens if you don’t have room for a full course at home? Donovan says you only need two jumps to properly prepare for an event!
  • The conversation then moved to Donovan’s philosophy behind design which his first point is that he always wants to make a jump or line that is jumpable.
  • How does the process of designing a show jumping course work? Donovan said his mentor Richard Jeffery was a master at making various tracks from the same course to help design various levels at an event and Donovan learned from him.
  • All the rulebooks (British, U.S., Canadian, etc.) have their own constraints and rules, but they are usually minimal requirements – like the USEF Rules For Eventing say you must have two changes of direction in a course, but Donovan thinks it is better to have three or sometimes up to five.
  • What are Donovan’s top tips for walking a course?
    • Read the course map!
    • Know how you are going to get in and out of the ring.
    • Don’t be embarrassed to walk any length of line – even if it’s 12 strides!
  • Burk then joined Brown to address the discussion around the Appendix 3 rule change proposal. The USEA Board of Governors voted to table the rule change proposal until the 2023 competition season – they are still fully committed to making a change to the Appendix, but want to spend the time to make sure the proposal is correct.
  • Burk was sure to extend a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who serve on the committees to work to make the sport safer. Especially the members of the USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee who put an enormous amount of time and research into this rule change proposal.
  • Burk also reminded listeners that this was just one of four rule changes that were submitted to make the sport safer – the USEA is really trying to take a holistic approach to mitigating risk.
  • Brown then asked Burk what members who want to get involved and have their voice heard should do, and he suggested starting at the Area level – reach out to your Area Council or your Area Board of Governor representative.

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Sep 29, 2023 Education

The Eventing Coaches Program Focuses on Area and Regional Needs

The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) has initiated a renewed focus on the diverse challenges coaches in various regions of the country may be facing. To this end, the program is in the process of enlisting representatives in each of the 10 USEA areas to help guide the program as warranted for the unique needs of each specific area.

Sep 28, 2023 Awards

Nominations for 2023 USEA Appreciation Awards Now Open through October 29

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.

Sep 28, 2023 Interscholastic

Stable View is Ramping Up for the 2024 Intercollegiate & IEL Championships

Anticipation for the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and inaugural USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is growing, and the host venue, Stable View, is up for the task of making both events an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the first time, the Intercollegiate and IEL program championships will be hosted on the same weekend at the Stable View H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 4-5, 2024, creating greater unity between the programs and demonstrating a clear pipeline of participation in the sport from grade school through college and beyond.

Sep 27, 2023 Rules

New Eventing Rule Changes Going into Effect October 1, 2023

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next 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