We are bringing you select content from the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on demand in partnership with RNS Video Media, giving you a chance to relive all the action!
Roy Burek of Charles Owen passed away on April 27, 2019 following a heart attack in his sleep. Through his work at Charles Owen, Burek made an immeasurable contribution to head injury research and helmet safety technology that will benefit generations of riders to come.
In his presentation at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Burek discussed the different safety technology currently used in helmets as well as advancements in technology that are taking place. He began with a review of existing technology and the different part of the helmet, including how each part contributes to the safety of the rider. He discussed the importance of correct fit, described the testing process, and examined a number of different studies on the different factors that affect how the body responds to a brain injury. He reviewed how different angles of impact and different surfaces contribute to the effectiveness of the helmet in a fall and closed the session with an examination of new advancements in helmet technology before taking questions from the audience.
Cynthia Burek – Roy’s sister and a Professor at the University of Chester – is working to establish a trust to fund research on head injury and to continue her brother’s legacy and their grandfather’s mission of Charles Owen being ‘For a Safer World.’ Click here to make a donation. A celebration of Roy Burek's life will take place later this week at St. Giles' Parish Church in Wrexham, Wales.
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 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is taking place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, December 12-15, 2019. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
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.