About the USEA

The USEA is a non-profit 501 C (3), educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills.  By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors.  Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing.

The USEA (formerly the USCTA) was founded in September, 1959, the vision of Alexander Mackay-Smith, who felt that in addition to the AHSA and USET, a third organization was needed to promote the fledgling sport of combined training in the United States.  Initially the association’s roster included just two dozen names, including Mackay-Smith and other notables such as Jack Fritz, Philip Hoffman, Roger Maher, and Lana Wright (nee DuPont).  On December 1, 2001 the USCTA became the USEA when the Board of Governors decided to follow the FEI’s adoption of the term ‘eventing’ for the international sport formerly known as combined training.

The mission of the USCTA in 1959 and of the USEA today remains much the same–to advance the sport of eventing through education of riders, trainers, officials, and organizers, with the health and well-being of the horse of paramount importance.  The association, through the direction of the Board of Governors, will continue to strive to make the sport of eventing safe, fun, fair, and affordable to all who join our ranks.

The USEA recognizes more than 250 events throughout the U.S. that host nearly 42,000 entries per year. The USEA has more than 11,000 members and strives to provide riders from Beginner Novice to the four-star level with an exceptional eventing experience.

The organization is a non-profit 501 C (3) corporation and is run by approximately 20 Board of Governors. The USEA also has a permanent staff of 15 who run the day to day needs of the organization from the headquarters in Leesburg, Virginia. 

The core purpose of the United States Eventing Association is to promote and advance the sport of eventing.

Goals:

• The USEA will be its members indispensable (go to) resource for education, safety, horse welfare, certification, training and information.
• The USEA will be a leader in making eventing competition more user-friendly, enjoyable, efficient, simpler and affordable.
• The USEA will be the driving force to promote the sport of eventing (horse triathlon) as a recognized spectator sport.
• The USEA will be significantly more financially secure and stable in order to achieve its strategic direction.