Jessica Payne practices falling at a LandSafe clinic. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
In March of this year, the USEA announced the availability of funds for new safety and educational projects and began seeking proposals from the public with the ultimate goal of increasing the overall safety of the sport. During a recent meeting, the USEA Board of Governors voted to approve three of these proposals.
Training Video for Cross Country Jump Judges
“Jump judges are the lifeblood of eventing competitions. In addition to helping the cross-country phase run smoothly, jump judges ensure the safety of competitors and horses.”
That’s what USEA Volunteer Committee members Irene Doo, Holly Covey, Bonnie Kibbie and professional videographer, Sybil Miller, stated in their proposal for the creation of a jump judge training video, and they could not be more correct. To that end, they sought and funding to film and produce a video that could be distributed to all USEA recognized event organizers to ensure cross country jump judges receive correct training and preparation.
The video, which will present information in a series of chapters, will cover everything from disobediences and falls to how to handle holds on course and more. This video will be made available for anyone to view on the USEA website.
While we wait for the cross country jump judge video to be created, don’t forget there are many volunteer training videos that are already available online that were created and kindly shared by the crew from the Pine Hill Horse Trials. Click here to watch.
LandSafe Clinics for Every Area
Danny and Keli Warrington are the founders of LandSafe and their mission is to help reduce the risk of catastrophic injuries. Already they have been traveling the country teaching riders how to fall off of a horse safely using the LandSafe Rider Fall Safety System, but they want to take this education further.
Danny and Keli have been approved for a grant that will assist in the cost of traveling to all ten USEA Areas to teach LandSafe clinics at a reduced cost for attendees. LandSafe will also provide the USEA with data such as before-and-after videos to show (hopefully) improvement from participating riders in each Area.
If you want to more about LandSafe, check out EN’s report on a clinic, complete with photos of videos of the process, or check out the LandSafe website.
Frangible Technology for More Events
US Equestrian licensed competitions at the Intermediate level and higher have been able to apply for grants up to $500 to offset the costs of frangible technology parts since 2013. However, a recent rule change means organizers are required to implement more frangible technology on cross country courses and the demand for grant money has subsequently increased.
EV140.9b in the US Rules for Eventing went into effect this April. It reads:
“At the Modified Level and above, all oxers (both front and back top rails), must be built using frangible technology (e.g. frangible pins, MIM Clips, or any other load relieving devices.) In all cases, the front rail must be able to be activated by either combined horizontal and downward forces, or horizontal and upward forces. The back rail must, at a minimum, be able to be activated by horizontal and downward forces.”
Additional funds have now been allotted to the frangible technology grant program, allowing more events to receive grants to purchase frangible technologies through US Equestrian to assist in compliance of the rules as well as increase safety on course.
Safety and education is paramount to the continuation and success of this sport we so love. By putting our heads together, thinking outside the box and working as a team, we can make that happen. These projects the USEA has elected to support financially will go a long way in achieving our shared goals.
Want to know how you can help? The USEA Foundation, a separate 501c3, raises money for safety and educational programs such as the Collapsible Fence Study and Equine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Study. You can help support these and future programs by donating here.
[USEA Board of Governors Awards Funds for Safety and Educational Projects]
