In this video break from the USEA Vault, originally provided in partnership with Eventing Training Online, Jim Wofford gives riders an exercise to help improve their cross-country position. Wofford has riders get into their two-point position, shorten their reins, and hold their jumping whip in both hands across the top of the horse's neck. He instructs riders to maintain this position up to, over, and away from the jump, letting the horse jump up to their hand and then gallop away after the fence. As each rider works through the exercise, Wofford encourages the other riders to pay attention and hear his coaching for that rider - "It's like getting six lessons in one!"
Jim Wofford was born and raised on a horse farm in Milford, Kansas. He is a graduate of Culver Military Academy and the School of Business at the University of Colorado with a B.S. in Business Administration. Wofford, a three-time Olympian, has spent his life with horses and is one of the best-known eventing trainers in the world today. In 2000, Wofford was listed by The Chronicle of the Horse as one of the “50 Most Influential Horseman” of the 20th century, and in January of 2012, he was awarded the United States Equestrian Federation Trophy for Lifetime Achievement, horse sports’ highest honor. A Hall of Fame member of both the United States Eventing Association and Culver Military Academy, Wofford trains at his farm in Upperville, Virginia, and travels extensively teaching and giving clinics.
Riders and eventing fans from every level at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds gathered in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park this evening under the lights to watch the feature division, the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final, come to its exciting conclusion.
When the USEA announced the addition of two Starter level Championships during the 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds, USEA members from around the country rejoiced. On Friday afternoon, 60 Starter level competitors made history as the first-ever Starter competitors at the AEC as they made their way down the centerline.
Competitors of the six USEA Novice Championships took over the cross-country course at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday for the second phase of their championship weekend at the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds. Find out how each division played out below.
It was the Beginner Novice riders' time to shine today in the dressage ring at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. Read on to learn more about our six division leaders.