United States Eventing Association

In an effort to encourage the future development of our sport, Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for someone starting their pursuit of becoming a Course Designer.

Virginia Horse Trials runs two high caliber Events each year which offer divisions for Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels, as well as CCI1* and CCI2* FEI competitions. These Events run over two separate cross-country courses.

The Event also conducts Intercollegiate and Young Rider Team competitions in the spring and Adult Team Challenges in the fall, which brings a large diversity of riders to the beautiful Lexington Virginia countryside.

We are looking for an enthusiastic new cross-country Course Designer to take over our Horse Center cross-country course which caters to Beginner Novice through Preliminary competitors. This program would offer mentorship under our recently appointed FEI Course Designer, John Nicholson, for an initial 2-year period.

John is a well-recognized International Designer who has organized courses around the world including at The New Zealand National 3-Day Event Championships, Horse of the Year, and his home course at Kihikihi. This year he was also the course director for the FEI International Course Designers Seminar in Ireland.

You will be expected to be on site for 10-14 days prior to the Events working alongside John and the builders preparing your tracks and learning during the process. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by VHT and a small fee may be negotiated for the right candidate.

Applicant criteria:

1. USEA / USEF member who is either registered in the “r” course designers program or recently been granted their “r” course designers license.
2. A passion for designing with a desire to learn
3. A basic understanding of course building, decorating and safety devices

Application Process

Applicants are requested to submit an application by Jan 8th to

Virginia Horse Trials

3455 FM 731

Burleson, TX, 76028

Email: [email protected]

Applications should include the following

• Cover letter
• Equestrian Resume
• A brief outline on your thoughts on modern cross-country course designing and ideas on how to improve the presentation of courses.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel with a phone interview, then a final selection will be made by this panel and the Executive Director of VHT. Final appointment will be made by the end of January 2016.