Competitors at the Winona Horse Trials will be among the first in the nation to compete for the NEW ‘Technical Merit Award’.
The top four scoring riders at each level will receive a ribbon and the best scoring rider at each level will receive a certificate for a photo of their horse competing at the Winona Horse Trials along with a ‘Technical Merit Award’ picture frame to put their photo in.
The awards are sponsored by Joanna Rae of American National Insurance Family of Companies. For more information about any insurance needs please contact Joanna at 440-479-9818 or [email protected].
The USEA Board of Governors passed a resolution at the 2008 Annual Meeting endorsing the concept of a Technical Merit Award, to be used as a purely voluntary, positive and educational bonus to existing competitions. The idea is to assess the technical merit of competitors’ riding over some portion (i.e. several jumps) on the cross-country course. The Technical Merit Award is designed to encourage riders to improve their riding skills on cross-country and judges will be looking for the competitor who impresses with a well-balanced and well-paced ride and those who exhibit a safe cross-country position. This is a stand alone award like “Best Turnout” or “Best Conditioned Horse.”
It is important to note that the Technical Merit Award will be completely separate from the regular scoring of horse trials. This award is for the benefit of those riders who are interested, and those who don’t wish to receive this additional feedback should feel free to opt-out of what is intended as a fun and positive addition to the competition. However, riders who sign up for this award will receive an evaluation form for feedback and be eligible for awards.
So if you’re interested, look for the sign up sheet when you pick up your packet. There is NO CHARGE, only the opportunity for a more fulfilling competition experience!
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to head to Area V this Dec. 11-14 for the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! Known for its rich history, world-class jazz, and electrifying Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans will set the stage for a lively week of discussion and education on the most important topics in the sport of eventing. Gather your fellow members and meet us to celebrate the last year of success in “The Big Easy!”
The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.
At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.
We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!
Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA
Official Feed of the USEA
Official Saddle of the USEA
Official Forage of the USEA
Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA
Official Horse Boot of the USEA
Official Shock Wave of the USEA
Official Horse Wear of the USEA
The USEA is the official sport affiliate of U.S. Equestrian
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