United States Eventing Association

On February 1, 2012, the US Eventing Association approved a policy change to permit Beginner Novice and Novice riders to compete in recognized Classic Format Three-Day Event Tests. This historic ruling now allows those riders that represent the majority of the sport’s participants to earn USEA National Year-end Points and Eventing Championship Qualifications when they compete in the Classic version of the sport.

Southern 8ths Farm in Chesterfield, SC has worked closely with the USEA to develop the guidelines for the new policy and is proud to be the first organizer to offer both of the newly recognized levels at its So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event this May 3^rd through 6^th, 2012, which will include Beginner Novice, Novice, and SmartPak Equine/USEA Training Three-Day level.

The Long Format is the traditional version of the sport dating back to the early 20^th century and first introduced in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. While it changed slightly over the years, in 2004 the Olympics changed the sport to the “short” format by eliminating the longer Roads & Tracks and the Steeplechase parts of the test thereby reducing the amount of area required to host the sport.

Many riders feel the classic, Long Format is the true test of horse and rider and that it provides substantial benefits for improving overall horsemanship. The USEA has been an active supporter of the Long Format for its mid-level Training and Preliminary riders. But until now, the majority of riders who are at the lower Beginner Novice and Novice levels could only dream of riding the ultimate test for national recognition.

“It took years of work by a lot of people, but it finally happened. The USEA recognition of the Beginner Novice and Novice 3-Day events opens the benefits of the traditional format to lower level riders who comprise the nucleus of the sport,” commented Brad Turley, Southern 8ths Farm owner. “Working with Cindy DePorter, USEA National Adult Rider Coordinator, and Tremaine Cooper, our International FEI Course Designer, the standards were developed and accepted by the USEA. And a special thanks to Jo Whitehouse, CEO and Brian Sabo, President of the USEA and the Board Members for all their work to make this happen,” he continued.

Southern 8ths will be bringing in some of the nation’s top riders, who volunteer their time to help the lower level riders become better riders and horsemen. The new USEA format is as much about education as it is about competing and the professional riders will be there to help.

And the event is not just for horse and riders who compete, it is open to the public where visitors can get close to the action as the competitors ride their dressage tests and trot, gallop and jump their way to the ribbons. It is the perfect family entertainment event that is free of charge.

For more details about the May 3-6 So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event or any other schooling opportunities at Southern 8ths Farm visit their web site at www.so8ths.com, join its “Fans of Southern 8ths” Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/So8thsFacebook, or go to http://www.youtube.com/user/So8thsto view its YouTube videos, or to www.tinyurl.com/presslink-so8thsto see photos from last year’s event. Feel free to email info@so8ths.comor call 843-623-5005 with your questions.