One Big Thing: USEF’s July Listening Session proposes Coaches’ Registry, Lite Licensure, and more
Rob Burk, CEO of US Eventing, and USEA ECP Level V coach Bec Braitling joined US Equestrian’s David O’Connor and Bill Moroney for USEF’s July Listening Session. In this session, three main topics were presented for feedback: the possibility of a voluntary coaches’ registry program, an expansion of the USEF Lite program through USEA Endorsed competitions, and recently-released data on overuse in hunter/jumper competition.
David O’Connor’s proposed USEF Coaches Registry would serve to provide an online Learning Management System (LMS) with modules for coaches and trainers’ continuing education. Although the program would be voluntary, USEF is exploring the possibility of offering reduced rates for trainers’ liability insurance if they opt in to the registry and its courses. “This isn’t an idea that we’re trying to take over your ideology of training horses and the accepted practices for training horses,” said O’Connor. “This is actually about can we all be better coaches and we really learn that from a lot of other sports.”
Rob Burk and Bill Moroney also brought forth their plan to bring the eventing levels at Training and below under a “USEF Lite” license beginning this December. USEF Lite was developed as an accessible competition product for organizers and participants who wish to “test drive” hosting and participating in a USEF Licensed Competition, while also reducing cost for the competitors and allowing the events to qualify for grant programs. While a USEF membership will not be required to enter a USEF Lite competition, trainers must still complete SafeSport training and have a Lite Annual Pass — something the USEA has pledged to cover the cost of if the competitor is riding at or below Training level.
And finally, further data was presented on the topic of overuse in hunters and jumpers first presented at the December USHJA Annual Meeting. Rule changes have already been placed for Hunter shows to combat this, and an anonymous survey is being created to capture more detailed and encompassing data that may collect more feedback and solidify the definitions of normal practice within these disciplines.
The next USEF Listening Session will take place August 3 at 4:30 pm ET, where the Drugs and Medication Guidelines updates will be discussed, as well as priorities for the next USEF CEO. [Click here to learn more and register]
Major International Events This Weekend
Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Strzegom Horse Trials CCI4*-S (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]
US Events This Weekend
Hoosier HT (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Other Links and Reading
- New steps to protect riders from online abuse during Aachen World Championships
- USEF Mythbusters: Where Does Money Come From for Top Level Equestrian Sports Teams? and Where Does the Money Go at US Equestrian?
- Kelly McGinnis: Horses Are Very Good at Keeping Me Humble
- Water buffets for horses: what are they, and would your horse really benefit from one?
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Did you know that Stable View’s environmental efforts have earned the venue the Land Stewardship Award from the Southeast Regional Land Conservancy? The annual award recognizes caring landowners who go above and beyond to protect, restore, and manage local habitats and natural resources on their land. Stable View is currently conducting a variety of plant and wildlife surveys to identify and quantify as many species as possible, and have identified over 350 plants (including several rare and endangered plants) and 75 bird species.
Other Firsts:
Stable View is the first equestrian facility to have a Pavilion with LEED (Gold) certification, a globally-recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. The 8,775 square foot observation pavilion was designed with one goal in mind; give every visitor the best possible view of the equestrian arena and cross-country course. To achieve the certification, Stable View had to achieve some very high standards, including protection and restoration of the project site, developing an Erosion and Sedimentary Control Plan, and limiting site disturbances.
Training Tip of the Day
Grand Prix rider and trainer Quentin Judge shares why coaching goes beyond technical instruction:
Go Eventing
The teamwork and talent involved in this incredible eventing foley artist work is undeniable:
