Honoring its commitment to cross-country safety innovation and technology US Equestrian (USEF) is proud to continue the Eventing Frangible Technology Grant Program. Organizers of USEF licensed eventing competitions may apply for a grant to supplement the cost of frangible devices for their cross-country courses.
Beginning in June 2008, the USEF began supplying frangible pins at no cost to organizers of licensed eventing competitions. Over the past 10 years, new frangible technologies have entered the marketplace supplementing the frangible pin, prompting the expansion of the program to different types of technology.
In 2017, a new rule (EV140.9 b) was implemented requiring organizers to include frangible technology in the construction of oxers at the Modified level and above. In an effort to minimize the financial impact of the new rule on organizers, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) awarded USEF a generous grant to ensure all who applied received a $500 grant in 2017. A portion of the USEA Grant monies remains for 2018.
“The USEA Board of Governors has been supportive of the USEF Eventing Frangible Technology Grant Program since its establishment,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “The decision to show that support with a financial commitment was supported unanimously by the Board in 2017. We would like to thank the competition organizers, product suppliers, course builders, and designers who have stepped up to install this safety equipment on all compatible fences. Moreover, we are appreciative of the USEF for its continued commitment to this program.”
“The USEF is committed to supporting safety in eventing, in particular on cross-country, in every way possible,” said USEF National Safety Officer Jonathan Holling. “The Frangible Technology Grant is one way we have been able to improve safety of both horses and riders in our beloved sport. We are thrilled to be supporting this program with our partners at USEA again in 2018. We are all in this together.”
Organizers of USEF-recognized eventing competitions offering divisions at the Preliminary level and above may request frangible devices by completing a Frangible Technology Order/Grant Application. To access the form:
For 2018, the USEF will allocate grants up to $500 per event property on a first come, first served basis until all USEA/USEF funding is depleted for the year. Grant monies will be applied to all orders at the time of purchase (expedite fees are not eligible for grant funding). If an organizer is ineligible because a grant has already been awarded in the same competition year, an invoice will be issued. Shipments will be made upon payment in full. The deadline for Grant Applications is November 2, 2018.
For more information about the USEF Eventing Frangible Technology Grant Program, please contact Shealagh Costello, USEF Director of Eventing, National Programs, at [email protected] or (859) 225-6923.
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
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