Winona Horse Trials Announces the NEW Technical Merit Awards

May 04, 2009

Winona Horse Trials Announces the NEW Technical Merit Awards

By USEA

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!

Winona

Dec 26, 2024 Association News

The Best of 2024: USEA Edition

With 2025 just days away, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the top moments for the USEA across the 2024 season. Take a trip down memory lane with us and relive these high-performing moments from our online news, the USEA Podcast, and our Instagram account!

Dec 23, 2024 Education

Saddle Fit Simplified

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?

Dec 22, 2024 USEA Foundation

Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant

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!

Dec 21, 2024 Education

3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025

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.