Earlier this month, five-star eventer and Olympian Boyd Martin taught a show jumping clinic at Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, Virginia where he guided participants through a series of exercises designed to improve rideability. By riding three verticals separated by five strides on alternating bending lines, riders have to be accurate and patient while the horses have to be listening to the rider and quick on their feet. Martin added to the exercise by asking riders to continue to an oxer-to-vertical line on six strides which required riders to ride forward to the question. Then, he reversed the exercise so riders would first jump a vertical-to-oxer line on six strides and then have to collect to approach the bending vertical line.
Martin is one of the world’s leading international event riders and has enjoyed international competitive success at every five-star in the world. Martin has also represented the United States in two Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games, and one Pan American Games. He has consistently been at the top of the FEI world rankings for over 10 years and has been on every U.S. Championship team since changing his citizenship in 2010.
Thank you to Wheatland Farm for hosting the clinic and Event Clinics for connecting riders and organizers by simplifying the registration process for equestrian activities.
My name is Tayah Fuller and I’m 14 years old. “On course” to me is a phrase that makes my heart pump fast and my excitement go wild. There is no better feeling than galloping through a field or flying over cross-country jumps with my heart thrumming along, especially when it is with my best friend. You see, I was born with a congenital heart murmur. While it has never really affected my athletic abilities, the one time that I notice it is when I am riding through a cross-country course with my horse.
Please always remain vigilant when it comes to sending any personal communications via email or text. Every year we receive reports of members and leaders of our sport receiving phishing attempts both online and by phone. These are often communications disguised as being sent from USEA staff or other leaders. As the years go on, the phishing attempts appear to be more directed and tailored.
Tack cleaning is one of those barn chores that might not be our favorite but is certainly necessary for keeping our equipment in top shape. Aside from caring for your tack so it lasts for years to come, regular tack maintenance is important for safety. The last thing you want is the potential for a stitch, zipper, or buckle breaking while you're out on course.
Following feedback from our membership to the rule change proposal for the USEF Rules For Eventing: Appendix 3 – Participation In Horse Trials, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Board of Governors voted to modify the rule change proposal, but still to recommend the establishment of rider licenses and increase Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) to the regulating authority of the sport US Equestrian (USEF).