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Mar 12, 2021
Rule Refresher: The "11 Penalty" Rule
With the introduction of frangible devices for cross-country fences came the introduction of penalties associated with activating a fence's frangible device. In 2015, the FEI rule regarding frangible devices, which originally gave a rider 21 penalties for activating a frangible device, was changed to 11 penalties. Effective on December 1, 2020, the USEF adopted a similar rule for nationally recognized competitions, also giving riders 11 penalties for activating a frangible device.
Below you will find the rules regarding penalties for activating a frangible device for both the USEF Rules for Eventing, which pertain to national competition for the Modified through Advanced levels, and FEI Eventing Rules, which pertain to all international competition for the CCI* through CCI5*-L levels. Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing and FEI Eventing Rules with emphasis added by the USEA.
USEF Rules for Eventing
EV141 Cross-Country Scoring
FAULTS AT OBSTACLES
a. Disobediences
- First refusal, run-out or circle - 20 penalties
- Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle - 40 penalties
- Third refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle - Elimination
- Third penalized disobedience on the entire course at Preliminary, Intermediate or Advanced - Elimination
- Fourth penalized disobedience on the entire course at Beginner Novice, Novice, Training or Modified - Elimination
- Activating a frangible fence - 11 penalties
FEI Eventing Rules
548 Scoring
548.1 Faults at Obstacles
| Fault | Penalty |
| First refusal, run-out or circle | 20 penalties |
| Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle | 40 penalties |
| Third refusal, run-out or circle on course | elimination |
| Fall of Athlete or Horse on course | elimination |
| Activating a frangible device where the dimension of the fence is modified | 11 penalties |
| Dangerous Riding | 25 penalties |
| Missing a flag as per art. 549.2 | 15 penalties |
Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.
May 05, 2025
Education
USEA Podcast #386: All About Pre-Purchase Exams
A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is big part of investing in a new eventing partner, but there are so many options and add-ons that can be done in a PPE that the process can feel a bit daunting. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sat down with equine veterinarian and USEA Board of Governors member Dr. Angie Yates, DVM, to discuss all things related to the PPE, different perspectives to keep in mind, and more in this week's episode of the USEA Podcast. This episode is a great one if you anticipate you will be in the market for a new horse soon!
May 04, 2025
Interscholastic
'We Can All Celebrate Together’: Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club Brings Home the Victory in USEA IEL Championship
Amidst the unbridled enthusiasm of the USEA Intercollegiate teams competing in this weekend’s USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View (Aiken, S.C.), the Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) riders have held their own with displays of teamwork and horsemanship all weekend long. While all teams put their best foot forward, one team rose above the rest. The Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club came into the weekend with one goal in mind—to win. They achieved that goal by such a large margin, a little more than 16 points, that they were able to claim the title of champions before their last rider, 16-year-old Claire McMillan, had even left the start box.
May 04, 2025
Intercollegiate
GOOO CATS! University of Kentucky Win USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships for Second Time
The University of Kentucky has claimed top honors at the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship, held this weekend at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. With 10 teams and 36 entries, they not only secured the title of “School with the Largest Presence” once again, but also rode away with their second national championship title, adding to their 2021 victory. Their winning team, the Kentucky Wildcats (made up of Callia Englund,Sarah Ertl, Macy Hale, and Emerson Padgett) dominated the championship finishing 11 points ahead of second place with a total score of 77.76.
May 03, 2025
Interscholastic
A Strong Start for Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club in their USEA IEL Championship Debut
Kendal Fansler, Claire McMillan, Emma Whitaker, and Olive Dumais have been riding together for more than two years through their membership in the Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club. Together, the teenagers have tackled Pony Club rallies, the intimidating Pony Club tradition of Quiz, and more. But this weekend, they’re tackling one of their biggest obstacles yet—the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship.
