In an effort to make the sport more accessible to new participants and to respond to membership concerns, several new ideas and rule changes are set to be discussed at this year’s U.S. Eventing Association Annual Meeting and Convention, Dec. 2-6 in Washington, D.C.

The hottest topic online has been the Membership Committee’s proposal to add a Beginner Novice-Assistance Allowed division to help membership growth.  

The committee believes grassroots participants might need some extra support at a competition due to encountering difficulty or a loss of confidence on course. A coach would be allowed to verbally assist their student during any phase of the event, such as reading a dressage test or a reminder related to direction on course.

The proposed BN-AA division will not be a recognized division, but a “test.” There are already several options listed in the Rulebook under EV122 for organizers to run tests at their events, so the division will be another option.

The BN-AA division will get a trial run at several events next year and will be reviewed and discussed by the Membership Committee.

Both trainers and competitors alike seem to be divided on the concept. It was enthusiastically passed at the USEA Board of Governors meeting in August but will be open for discussion at the convention, though it’s not an official rule change proposal yet, and it wouldn’t be voted on until 2016 at the earliest.

Another idea to boost membership and opportunity for current members is DX Eventing, which is a topic up for discussion but not a vote yet.

The USEA has established a task force to develop a proposal for a recognized competition or test consisting of a dressage phase and a hybrid show jumping/cross-country phase. 

Similar to the USEA’s Young Event Horse format or many unrecognized eventing derbies or “derby cross” competitions across the country, DX Eventing would potentially make the sport more inclusive and rider/spectator friendly. 

Under current test rules, organizers can run a combined test, which usually consist of dressage and show jumping, but DX Eventing would give them another option. It might also be treated as a training ground for officials. 

The USEA has also outlined a points system for a year-end leader board.

Better Defining The Levels 

A proposal for changes to Appendix 1 – Levels Of Horse Trials includes a better definition of what’s allowed at beginner novice, novice and training levels. It also includes guidelines for the proposed modified level. 

Of note at the beginner novice level, water crossings “should be simple and inviting in nature with consideration for an alternate jump next to it (a simple log) which could provide an option to those not ready to cross water.” Changes also include a suggestion for an optional jump alongside a ditch and better defining course design for the level—“the track of the course must be devoid of sharp turns, be inviting in nature, and encourage horses and riders to learn to gallop across country in rhythm with confidence.”

The modified level, championed by chair of the Competitions Calendar and Rules Committee Mike Huber, is moving ahead. Appendix 2 – Specifications For Horse Trials lays out the details and Appendix 3 – Participation In Horse Trials provides more details.

Safety News And The Past And Future Of Eventing

As discussed at the August meeting, the USEA would like to fall in line with international standards regarding required safety equipment. A proposed change to Rule EV114 regarding protective vets will require that a competitor’s vest “pass or surpass at a minimum, the ASTM/SEI standard F1937; BETA 2009: Level 3 is acceptable,” and will recommend vests meet the current standard.

The same will go for headgear. At a minimum, a helmet must meet the ASTM/SEI standard F1163 for equestrian use and carry and SEI tag, but they will recommend the helmet meet the current standard.

The USEA will be hosting the Eventing 2016-2026 Summit as a town hall meeting on Sat. Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Members will be encouraged to bring ideas to the table on how to improve the sport.

Some topics that will be discussed include sponsorship and prize money, how to recruit the next generation of officials, volunteers and organizers, making the sport more marketable and how to create a calendar that appeals to events new and old.

Every four years, the USEA honors important people and horses that have shaped the sport during the Hall of Fame gala. This year, six people and three horses will be celebrated. 

Key Meetings To Attend

Thurs. Dec. 3 

USEF Eventing Committee Open Forum 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Fri. Dec. 4 

Board Of Governors Meeting 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Cross-Country Course Design & Fence Construction Safety Committee 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 5

USEA Summit – Town Hall Meeting 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Rule Change Open Forum – 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.

USEA Hall Of Fame Dinner – 6:30 p.m. – Midnight

Sun. Dec. 6 

Board Of Governors Meeting – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

To see a full list of eventing rule change proposals, click here.

For more information on the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, click here.

The Chronicle will be on site in Washington D.C. to bring you all the information you need to know from the USEA Convention. Check back at www.coth.com this weekend and look for a full report in the Dec. 21 and Jan 4 issue of the print magazine.