Five-star eventer Kim Severson taught a show jumping clinic in January at Milestone Sport Horses in Lovettsville, Virginia where she instructed riders on the importance of forward riding for successful jumping. In this exercise, which Severson progressively adds additional pieces to, riders are instructed to focus on the quality of their canter. For one pair, Severson encourages the rider to add more leg to help the horse maintain his impulsion to the fences and focus on riding accurate lines for straightness. For a second pair, Severson instructs the rider to use a half-halt or transition to trot between the fences to reestablish control and balance.
Kim Severson grew up in Arizona where she competed first in pure dressage before switching to eventing. In 1993, she moved to the East Coast to train with Jack LeGoff and Jim Wofford and joined Plain Dealing Farm in 1996. Severson won the Kentucky Three-Day Event three times in 2002, 2004, and 2005 with Winsome Adante, and was also part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games and took home individual silver and team bronze at the 2004 Olympics. They also competed together at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games and finished third at Badminton Horse Trials in 2007. Today, Severson continues to ride, train, and teach, and travels to give lessons and clinics.
Thank you to Milestone Sport Horses for hosting the clinic and thank you to Strider for connecting riders and organizers by simplifying the registration and payment processes for equestrian activities. To learn more about Kim Severson, please visit her website.
With the holiday spirit in full swing and the New Year just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for the 2024 eventing season. From paperwork to packing, there’s quite a bit to do before you’re ready to get out there and enjoy the season with your horse. Check out these tips from the team at STRIDER, and get your 2024 season kicked off in the most organized way possible.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2024, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Emerging Programs. In addition to these Eventing Pathway Program updates, several opportunities will be available in 2024 for both Program and non-Program athletes.
The United States Eventing Associations’ (USEA) Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) is pleased to announce the dates and location of the upcoming 2024 ECP Symposium. The annual ECP Symposium, which is held in the southeast to accommodate the migration of eventers for the winter season, will be hosted at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida, on Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2024. This three-day immersive educational experience is recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about eventing coaching, including current coaches, riders, parents, owners or avid supporters. Click here to download the registration form today!
The USEA is incredibly proud to allow the thrill of the 'chase to live on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic long format three-day event through our USEA Classic Series events. Long-format events from the Beginner Novice to Preliminary levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. In addition, educational activities are offered at the USEA Classic Series Events to help prepare competitors, especially those who are contesting their first-ever long format event.