About

by Denny Emerson, 1998Sometime during the Pan American Games week of September 2, 1959, a meeting was held at Patrick Butler's home in Oak Brook, Illinois, at which the USCTA was founded and the nature of American eventing was fundamentally changed. Since the great majority of us who are actively eventing today weren't born thirty-eight years ago, or weren't yet riding in events, we are basically ignorant about how and why our association came into being.

Horse TrialsA horse trial takes place over one, two or three days, and involves three distinct phases or tests-with varying degrees of difficulty, depending on the competitive level. Taken as a whole, these phases portray the ability, versatility, and preparedness of horse and rider. Penalty points are recorded and then totalled for the three tests, resulting in a combined score for the whole trial--thus eventing's synonym, combined training. The lowest score wins.

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.

 Mailing Address:United States Eventing Association525 Old Waterford Rd, NWLeesburg, VA 20176