United States Eventing Association

Donations Still Needed to Help USEA Collapsible Fence Study Get the Green Light

The proposed USEA Collapsible Fence Study to be conducted by Dr. Suzanne Smith of the University of Kentucky and her team of graduate and undergraduate engineering students has captured the attention of many lovers of Eventing. The proposal is for a multi-task study which will be undertaken over a two-year period, 2016 and 2017 with the total cost estimated at $162,000. The USEA is delighted to report that it is getting closer to attaining the fundraising goal of $81,000 for year one of the study, but the goal still needs to be reached. Thank you to all who took the time to make a donation to this important endeavor, your generosity is so very much appreciated.

Once the study is underway the USEA plans to keep the membership regularly informed to see your dollars at work. Research done over the past few years has resulted in technological developments that have helped to lessen the risk of rotational falls on the types of fences that meet the specifications for reverse frangible pins and the MIMs system. The goal of the new study is to explore and develop other technologies that could expand the type of fences that can be made collapsible. In addition, work will take place on developing tools and methodologies for testing and verifying the safety features of new concepts and designs.

The fundraising, however, still goes on. Phase II will cost another $81,000 and the USEA will continue to ask for your help to cover that cost. Without you none of this could be done and again, our sincerest thanks to all who have shown us that you believe a safer sport is an enduring sport.

Other Donation Opportunities

If you are looking for other ways to support the Association and you haven’t had an opportunity to make your tax-deductible donation yet, there are many vital USEA educational programs that need assistance too, like the Instructor’s Certification Program, Officials’ Education and Equine Welfare, all with important objectives scheduled for this year. Your donation to the USEA General Fund will help to cover some of these costs.

If you are more interested in securing the long-term future of the sport through a donation to the new USEA Foundation where your dollars will be wisely invested by a team of experts with the sole aim of protecting and preserving the sport in the decades to come, then please consider going online at www.useventing.com and clicking on the donate button at the very top left-hand corner.

Whatever your passion, whether you can spare $10 or $100 (or more) please know how important your support of Eventing is to the USEA. You and your horses are the reason for everything we do.

Click here to donate online. Make sure to check the box for which you would like your funds to support.