USEA Announces Changes to The Horse and Rider Achievement Award Program

The USEA is pleased to announce a revamping of the Horse and Rider Achievement Award Program.

For the last two decades qualified riders had to submit an application to the USEA to receive recognition of their achievement, but with the new technology available the program will now be automated.

The revised program will now be known as the Blue Ribbon Horse and Rider Achievement Program, and will add to the USEA’s mission to recognize its members for the high level of success attained in the sport of eventing. The Blue Ribbon Program can be a stepping stone to achieving the eventing Medals and then heading to the top of the leaderboard.

For the 2009 competition year, the Blue Ribbon program qualifications will run concurrently with the previous Rider Achievement program qualifications.  For the 2010 competition year, the Blue Ribbon program qualifications will replace the previous program qualifications.

Starting September 1, 2009 the USEA will automatically post the names of Blue Ribbon qualified horses and riders on the awards section of the USEA website on a weekly basis. Award certificates will also be sent out monthly to each rider who achieves the appropriate qualifications.

The Blue Ribbon Program has two separate awards. The Certificate of Horse and Rider Achievement Award is only for the Beginner Novice level and is based purely on completion of events. The Blue Ribbon Award is for every level of the sport from Beginner Novice through Advanced and is earned through placings throughout the competition season.

Blue Ribbon Program Qualifications

Certificate of Horse & Rider Achievement (Beginner Novice)

-    The horse and rider (team) must be qualified together.
-    The horse and rider must have an active USEA Membership at the time of the competitions.
-    The horse and rider must have completed three or more events at the Beginner Novice level during the same competition year.

Blue Ribbon Award (Beginner Novice through Advanced)

-    The horse and rider (team) must be qualified together.
-    The horse and rider must have an active USEA Membership at the time of the competitions.
-    The horse and rider must place 1st through 3rd at three events in the same level (Beginner Novice through Advanced) during the same competition year.

If you have any questions about the Blue Ribbon Program please contact Jennifer at Jennifer@useventing.com or 703-779-0440 x 3003.