United States Eventing Association

USEA's Marilyn Payne Heads to Rio as Eventing's President of the Ground Jury - Eventing

Marilyn Payne of Califon, New Jersey, who was appointed President of the Ground Jury for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, flew out to Brazil yesterday. Marilyn is one of a small and unique group of esteemed U.S. Officials who over the years have been invited to judge an Olympic Games, not only once, but twice! Marilyn is a role model for all women in the sport and she is active on Facebook so we can look forward to some good pictures and updates from her trip.

Marilyn worked very closely with the late Roger Haller to develop the USEA's Training Program for Eventing Officials as well as the Continuing Education Clinics for Officials. These programs have been key in helping judges, technical delegates and course designers advance their careers. Unfortunately, the pool of USEA Eventing Officials at the FEI levels is dwindling as those who age out are not being replaced by the next generation.

This was an issue Roger Haller identified some years ago, and with his passing the need to act is even greater. That is why the USEA established The Roger Haller Education Fund to expand its educational programs for officials, technical delegates, course designers and instructors. Please support this important program now with a donation.

We thank Marilyn for all she has done to further the education of officials and wish her the best of luck in Rio. We eagerly look forward to hearing about her experiences. And thank you to all for helping the USEA produce the next generation of "Marilyns" and "Rogers."