The 1996 Atlanta Olympics marked a turning point in the equestrian world’s approach to competing in challenging thermal climates, particularly with respect to the Summer Olympics where there is no option to schedule to avoid hot months of the year due to the fixed calendar. The U.S. equestrian community and researchers, supported by the USEF and USEA, played a major role in the FEI’s International collaborative research effort aimed at creating a knowledge base on equine thermoregulation and travel.
Dr. David Marlin was fortunate to be closely involved with both UK and U.S. groups of researchers and that research output and experience has facilitated his role as the FEI’s Climate Mitigation Advisor at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and Tokyo 2020. The FEI’s priorities for managing competitions in thermally challenging climates are first, horse and rider safety and welfare, and secondly, that no competitor should be disadvantaged by the conditions. In this talk, originally broadcast at the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Dr. Marlin will explain how our experience since Atlanta 1996 has grown and how this was implemented in Tokyo 2020 to run a safe and successful Olympic Games.
About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will at the Hyatt Regency Savannah Hotel in Savannah, Georiga, December 7-11, 2022. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
The USEA Classic Series is going strong thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of event organizers who are committed to the thrill of long-format eventing. Dr. Christel Carlson, M.D. is one of the biggest champions of the program. A former competitor, she continues to contribute countless hours to the USEA as an organizer, judge (R), volunteer, and member of multiple committees. She is the owner of Spokane Sport Horse Farm in Spokane, Washington, which hosts two USEA recognized events each year. The facility’s fall event, which closes out the season in Area VII, includes Classic Three-Day divisions at the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training levels.
It was a weekend to remember for eventers from 13 colleges as they convened at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, from May 26-28 for the 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Championship. The 23 teams gave their all and had tons of fun!
The 2023 Woodside Spring H.T. served as a celebration of the successes of the West Coast eventers that competed in the Kentucky Three-Day Event, as well as what’s in store for the future of the sport in California. On the eve of competition on Thursday, organizers at the Woodside Horse Trials held a party in honor of both Tamie Smith’s historic win in the Kentucky five-star and the team of cross country builders led by Bert Wood that unveiled new courses at The Horse Park. Derek di Grazia designed the new Advanced and Intermediate tracks, with Wood designing the new tracks for Preliminary through Starter.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to offer the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the upcoming USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Nutrena Feeds. The Adult Team Championships will be offered once again at the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Preliminary levels for members of the USEA Adult Rider Program, and newly added this year, the Modified level will be included in the ATC as well.