Mid-South Eventing & Dressage Association

MSEDA News

  • 03/16/2017 9:23 AM | Deleted user

    Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

    By Sarah E Coleman

    Paul Frazer Paul Frazer Memorial Combined Test and Dressage Competition, March 25, 2017 Kentucky Horse Park 


    Event History: Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), is an organization dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse. This wonderful organization is housed at the Kentucky Horse Park and hosts the Paul Frazer Memorial and Combined Test and Dressage Competition each year.

    The event is named in honor of a former CKRH board member, Paul Frazer, who was dedicated to removing the physical barriers to handicapped students in Fayette Country schools. His interest with students and horses began in the 1980s, when accompanying a friend to a riding lesson. Paul was so impressed with CKRH that he became the consummate volunteer. This event is held each year in his honor.

    Date and Time: For 2017, the event will take place on March 25, beginning at 8 a.m. and usually lasts until about 5:30 p.m., when all riders have completed their tests.

    Volunteer Opportunities: Event organizers are still in need of help stringing the dressage rings on Wednesday, March 22, in the morning. Additional opportunities include cleaning and moving jumps, setting up jumps, hanging banners, being the hospitality crew, running gates, helping in schooling areas and acting as jump crew.

    Interested? Sign up here or contact Vickie Palmer volunteers@ckrh.org859-231-7066

    Tips for Volunteers: As this is an outdoor event, volunteers will need to plan on dressing for the weather, whatever that may be. Lunch and drinks for volunteers are provided.

    For more information, please visit the Paul Frazer Facebook page here.

    You can read more about the history of Paul Frazer here.

  • 03/01/2017 9:59 AM | Deleted user

    With the release of the NSAID Equioxx in the form of a pill, many horse owners are distressed to find out they can no long legally purchase Previcox from their vet. Find out why. 

    By Sarah E Coleman



    If you own horses long enough, it’s likely they will develop some old-age joint malady, whether it’s arthritis or other joint pain and inflammation. Almost without fail, every horse owner has had to administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help comfort their aging equine at some point. Thought veterinarians have a long list of NSAIDs they could choose from to recommend to clients, one of the most popular has long been Phenylbutazone (Bute).

    Though effective, this drug must be used with caution as it can cause gastric ulcers in horses. Because of this, long-term use of the NSAID is not recommended, much to the dismay of horse owners. But in 2009, a new drug came on the market: Equioxx. Labeled for use in horses and safe for long-term use, Equioxx in a clinical setting is delivered by IV; it was also made available in a paste format, which could be administered more easily in barn settings. 


    The Cost of Comfort

    However, while everything about the new drug should have horse owners cheering, they weren’t: The cost of one tube of Equioxx when it first hit the market was between $12 and $15, and each tube held only one dose (now you can find it for around $6/tube). Additionally, after multiple days of administering Equioxx, horses may begin to resist having the tube placed in their mouths. (For reference, a bottle of Previcox, which horses can be administered anywhere from ¼-tab to 2 tabs, costs $80 for 60 tablets.)

    Because of both the cost and the fight to administer Equioxx, Previcox was soon offered by veterinarians as an alternative. A canine product, Previcox is used “extra-label” for horses, meaning it is legally allowed to be used to treat horses though it was not originally developed for them.


    By law, this is permissible because: 

    • The animal may suffer (or die) if not treated AND there is no approved drug with the same concentration, effectiveness, active ingredients or dosage form
    • There is a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship
    • The drug is not prohibited from extra-label use
    • The animal drug is only compounded with an approved human or animal drug

    Merial makes both Equioxx and Previcox, both of which are fibrocoxib. Equioxx is an NSAID that works to control joint pain and inflammation caused by equine osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Previcox, which is available in pill format, can control the same symptoms and is much easier to administer than its sister drug. (It should be noted that most likely the mode of administration—paste vs. pill—added to the cost of manufacturing Equioxx.)

    Many veterinarians have prescribed Previcox to their clients, but this is a bit of a grey area as there was truly a comparable product on the market (Equioxx)—generally medications used extra-label are prescribed when there is no comparable product. In theory, Previcox was only prescribed for horse owners who “struggled to get the paste into them” – and not solely for financial reasons. This terminology brought about the potential for a conflict with veterinarians who must follow the law.


    And Then Came Equioxx Tablets


    In October of 2016, Merial released Equioxx tablets, retailing them at the same price as their sister drug, the Previcox tablets (though depending on the dosage a horse takes, the Equioxx tabs may be more expensive). With the creation of Equioxx in tablet format, veterinarians can prescribe the equine-only formula, eliminating the potential conflict of using Previcox off-label.

  • 02/15/2017 8:34 AM | Deleted user

    The MSEDA Annual Meeting was held Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Four Points Sheraton in Lexington, Ky. The day started off with an Open Members forum with three topics to be covered:

    • 100 Ways to NOT get Eliminated at a Dressage Show or Event
      This great topic was lead by popular judges Karen Winn and Debbie Boeh. Karen and Debbie gave a talk about some simple rules people misinterpret or forget along with reviewing the new 2017 rules. A handout was given to attendees and a Q & A followed, with participants guessing and answering which rules were true or false and on which penalties were given or elimination resulted. A lively discussion followed, with many great questions asked by participants.
    • An Overview of MSEDA Points and Awards
    • Mandy Alexander presented a PowerPoint presentation that included information on the available MSEDA points and awards; she provided some simple examples on how points are calculated.
    • The Future MSEDA Annual Meetings
      Rachel Henson spoke about future MSEDA annual meetings and asked for member feedback on dates and times for the Annual Meeting, as well as potential presenters. Participants were asked to submit ideas and thoughts via email.

    After the Open Forum, the Annual Business meeting took place with Board members providing oral reports on their various committees. At the end, outgoing Board members were thanked for their service and three new members were voted in: Elissa Gibbs, Nick Larkin and Tiffany Smith. A vote was also held to make some rule and by-laws changes, which proceeded with full membership approval. 

    MSEDA Awards Banquet

    Finally, the day ended with the MSEDA Awards Banquet. A great time was had by all, with an excellent dinner (Four Points wins for good banquet food two years in a row), the MSEDA member video (with pictures sent in by members), and the awards graciously handed out by emcee Hank Zeitlin.

    More awards than ever before were given out, including volunteer awards. The winner with the most volunteer hours was Shelly Ryan, who had almost 200 hours for 2016! Horse shows of the year included Team Challenge Horse Trials and Snowbird Dressage. Scholarships were given to four deserving members who intend to use them to further their education through MSEDA. They were:

    Christine Brown Memorial Grant: William Robertson


    MSEDA Exceptional Educational Grant: Chelsea Smith  


    MSEDA Educational Grant: Joan Gariboldi


    MSEDA Educational Grant: Kristen Brennan



    All of the award and scholarship winners are posted here

  • 02/13/2017 9:13 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E. Coleman


    While the vast majority of us routinely vaccinate our horses for the “rhino” form of the equine herpes virus 1, many people were unfamiliar with the neurological form of EHV-1 until recently.

    EHV-1 commonly causes upper respiratory infections in young horses, presenting as a runny nose, cough and loss of appetite. Most of the horses affected by this type of EHV-1 recover uneventfully. Spread primarily through coughing and sneezing, EHV-1 also has a more devastating neurologic form that has recently been implicated in multiple equine deaths.

    Horses that have the neurologic form of the disease can have trouble standing, swelling in the lower legs, and the inability to pass manure or urinate. As many of these signs mimic other disease, it’s important to involve a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine exactly what is affecting the horse.


    Because EHV-1 is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics. Supportive treatment is the only thing that can be done for affected horses, and each treatment is determined individually. Anti-inflammatories and fluids are most commonly administered, and a sling can be utilized for some horses that are unable to stand.

    Typically, those horses that do not become recumbent have a good prognosis, though recovery may take multiple months.


    Racing Industry Hardest Hit

    EHV-1 has been in the news a lot lately, the first cases of 2017 being confirmed at the Louisiana Fair Grounds racetrack. On January 3, one horse tested positive for the neurologic form of EHV-1. That horse was placed in isolation and one barn was placed in quarantine with twice-daily temperature taking of every horse in the barn.    

    On January 4, three additional barns at Fair Grounds were placed under quarantine and the horse that was originally infected was euthanized. The issue that immediately needed to be addressed was the fact that horses had shipped into and out of the track to train and race—and they may have been exposed to the infected horse. Because of this, the Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian instated a rule that no horse that has resided or been on a Louisiana race track or training center since December 10, 2016, would be allowed entry onto a Kentucky racetrack (for racing or sales).

    To gain entry to Kentucky, am owner had to prove that a horse that had been in Louisiana had been removed at least 30 days before the rule went into place; this certification was in addition to meeting standard health requirements. 


    Even Closer to Home

    The same day, a 2-year-old filly was brought to a Lexington equine hospital from Oldham County, Ky. The examining veterinarian alerted the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) of a possible EHV-1 case after he noticed urine dripping from the horse. A nasal swab and whole blood was taken and the filly was confirmed to have the neurologic form of EHV-1 on January 5.

    The KDA then placed the filly’s home farm under quarantine. Additional testing was done on horses that had been exposed to the affected horse in the hospital. Three horses had resulted positive.

    On January 9, a second horse on a different farm in Oldham County tested positive for EHV-1, though with a different strain of the virus. The horse was moved to isolation and the facility was placed under quarantine. On January 13, five horses were diagnosed to be positive for EHV-1 via nasal swab. These five horses were moved to isolation areas.

    The Oldham County EHV-1 cases had no connection to the Fair Grounds cases. The initial Oldham County horse was released from the equine hospital and sent to isolation. The farm from which she came complied fully with the KDA regulations and ensured that no horse on their property showed any signs of EHV-1.

    On January 21, a barn on the backside of Turfway went under quarantine when a horse was diagnosed as positive with the “wild strain” of EHV-1. Two additional horses were diagnosed as positive for the wild strain of EHV-1. Also, samples collected on January 25 from the Keeneland training barns noted that two horses had tested positive for EHV-1. 


    So Where Are We Now?

    As of February 10, the Oldham County premises, Keeneland Rice Road Training Center and Turfway Park were all released from quarantine. Horses that have previously tested positive do remain under regulatory monitoring and remain quarantined in secured, isolated areas.  

    However, horses that have been at Fair Grounds in Louisiana (or another Louisiana facility where EHV was diagnosed), are not allowed to enter a Kentucky race track or training facility without proper documentation that they are not affected by EHV-1.


    Read more at www.kyagr.com/statevet

  • 02/12/2017 3:09 PM | Deleted user

    MSEDA would like to thank everyone who donated a door prize for our Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet. We are so grateful for your support and everyone LOVED their prizes!


    DOOR PRIZES DONATED BY WON BY
         
    Miscellaneous    
    1- Salt and Pepper Shakers/ -Wet.Wring, Wear Scarf Friend of MSEDA Ellen Thomson
    1- Valley Vet T-Shirt. 2 $5.00 Buckeye Nutrition Coupons, 1- Pink Cell Phone Holder Buckeye Nutrition, Valley Vet and Friend of MSEDA Megan Carr
    1- Purple Glass Horse/ 2- Buckeye Nutrition Coupons Buckeye Nutrition, Friend of MSEDA Mandy Alexander
    1 Valley Vet Blue Horse Halter Valley Vet Supply  Judi Tudor
    1- Valley Vet Purple Horse Halter Valley Vet Supply  Carol Scherbak
    1- Pair Green/Brown Horse Pillows Friend of MSEDA Mary Fike
    1- Wood Rocking Horse Friend of MSEDA Angela Ariatti
    1-Pair of Thoroughbred Horse Pillows Friend of MSEDA Wendy Young
    1- Makowsky Brown Purse Friend of MSEDA Alston Kerr
    1- Revlon Quick Heat Paraffin Bath Friend of MSEDA Victoria Schumacher
    1- Back on Track Dressage Pad Dover Saddlery in Cincinnati, OH Pam Kimmel
    1- Back on Track Dressage Pad Dover Saddlery in Cincinnati, OH Deanna Craychee
    1-Black Halter Luckett's Tack Shop Robyn Munson
    1-Horse Cookie Jar Friend of MSEDA Julie Congleton
    1- Day Churchill Downs/ 8 Seats Covered at Finish Line Peggy Bindner Kelly Rover
    1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats Dimples Horse Treats Whitney Muns
    1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats Dimples Horse Treats Steve Duncan
    1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats Dimples Horse Treats Chelsea Smith
    1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats Dimples Horse Treats Jillian Gregory
    1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats Dimples Horse Treats Judi Tudor
    1- Carousel Decorative Horse  MSEDA Jim Hagerty
    1- Carousel Decorative Horse  MSEDA Tracy Scott
    1- Carousel Decorative Horse  MSEDA Chris Hayner
    1- Carousel Decorative Horse  MSEDA Mary Margaret Sterling
    1- Decorative Horse Shoe MSEDA Mary Ann Andres
    1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes Doug Froh/EquiOtic Carol Lee
    1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes Doug Froh/EquiOtic Courtney Calnan
    1- Fine Art Custom Design Show Bowl Beth Goldstein Designs Elaine Farr
    1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves Technology Products Inc. Katherine Short
    1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves Technology Products Inc. Cathy Jacob
    1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves Technology Products Inc. Marian Zeitlin
    1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves Technology Products Inc. Steve Duncan
    1- Excel Equine Hoof Supplement Excel Equine Erika Berntsen
         
         
         
         
         
         
    Gift Cards and Certificates    
    3- $5.00 coupons for Buckey Nutrition/1-Life without horses pillow Buckeye Nutrition and Friend of MSEDA Mary Margaret Sterling
    1- Certificate for DEVER 3- Day Upgrade to 4 Golf Cart Dever Inc Cathy Weischhoff
    1 Hr Full Massage Janet Grisco Jessie Bollinger
    1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior  Buckeye Nutrition  Rachel Henson
    1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior  Buckeye Nutrition  Carol Scherbak
    1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior  Buckeye Nutrition  Susan Posner
    1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior  Buckeye Nutrition  Sarah Andres
    1- DVD Taped Dressage Ride at Participating Show Another Point of View Laura Corsentino
    1-Gift Certificate $25.00 The Tack Shop of Lexington Nikki Beneigh
    1-Gift Certificate $25.00 The Tack Shop of Lexington Marianne De Barbadillo
    1-Gift Certificate $25.00 The Tack Shop of Lexington Karen Winn
    1-Gift Certificate $25.00 The Tack Shop of Lexington Susan Moran
    1- 2016 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb Victoria Schumacher
    1- 2016 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb Marty W Riney
    1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE Vanessa Coleman Shawna White
    1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE Vanessa Coleman Susie Duncan
         
    Horse Show and Clinic Entries    
    1- Horse Trial Entry Fee Spring Bay Horse Trial Julia Vassar Samson
    1- Horse Trial Entry Fee Kentucky Classic Horse Trial  William Robertson
    1- Paul Frazier memorial Horse Show Dressage Entry Fee Paul Frazier Show/ Anita Bolen Rachel Miles
    1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET) Gracie Elliott
    1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET) Chris Hayner
    1-Hunter Pace Entry Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET) Janice Holmes
    1- Spring Run Farm Mini HT Entry Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris  
    1-Spring Run Farm Dressage Show Entry Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris Mary Margaret Sterling
    1-Spring Run Farm Dressage Show Entry Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris Janice Holmes
    1-Covered Bridge Pony Club Combined Test Entry Peggy Bindner Tracy Scott
    1-Mid South Pony Club Horse Trial Entry Fee Midsouth Pony Club/ Erin Woodall Susan Posner
    1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show Stone Place Stables, Prospect,  Ky Marian Zeitlin
    1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show Stone Place Stables, Prospect,  Ky Julie Congleton
    1- Entry Fee Stone Place Stables Mini Horse Trial Stone Place Stables, Prospect,  Ky Mandy Alexander
    1 Entry Fee either Combined Test or Dressage Class Sayre School Combined Tests and Dressage Show Katie Hensley
    1-Horse Trial Entry Fee Jumpstart Horse trial Jordan Skinner
    1-Dressage Class Entry Snowbird Dressage Show November 2017 Amanda Alexander
    1-Dressage Class Entry Snowbird Dressage Show December 2017 Tori Retamoza
    1-Entry 2016 Camargo Hunter Trials Camargo Hunt Kristin Posner
    1- Entry 2017 Camargo Hunter Pace  Camargo Hunt Jody Holford
    1- Entry 2017 Nancy Newton Memorial Show Antebellum Farm Allison Otter
    1- Entry 2017 Nancy Newton Memorial Show Antebellum Farm Laura Hampton Wilhem
  • 01/29/2017 4:24 PM | Deleted user

    Keeping horses hydrated as temperatures plummet can be tricky, especially if you have multiple fields and waterers, horses that are divas or aged equines on your farm (which encompasses about every one of us!).

    By Sarah E. Coleman



    It’s common knowledge that impaction colic cases rise in the winter, when horses tend to drink less, especially when water tends to be ice cold. So, what can you do to help prevent dehydration in your steed? Here are some common (and not-so-common) ways to try to get as much water as possible into his system:

    1. Put his food near his water, especially if it’s round bales or hay fed on the ground. Horses tend to drink the most right after they eat, so placing water within easy reach makes it even more likely he’ll take a drink after dinner.
    2. Experiment with adding flavorings to your horse’s water, like apple cider vinegar, peppermint oil, drink powders or apple juice.
    3. Add electrolytes to his diet. While many of us give our horses electrolytes in the summer when the heat is on and the competition calendar full, electrolytes can also benefit your horse in the winter, as well, by encouraging water intake.
    4. Soak his hay if he eats in a stall or if the weather will be above freezing.
    5. Consider feeding soaked beet pulp or alfalfa cubes (but be sure to feed only as much as he can eat before it freezes).
    6. Add warm water to his bucket, trough or automatic waterer a few times a day.
    7. If you can’t use a heated water bucket or stock tank deicer where your horses are located, consider surrounding your trough with straw bales or covering as much of the tank as possible (while leaving a hole for the horses to drink from) to slow ice formation.
    8. Top dress his feed with non-iodized salt; commercial grain and vitamin supplements have enough iodine in them already, so additional iodine is not necessary.
    9.  Consider dropping apple or carrot pieces in the bucket to encourage him to drink the water in it to get to the treats.
    10. While scrubbing buckets in the cold is no fun, it’s important that your horse’s buckets be clean to entice him to drink.
  • 01/16/2017 11:46 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E Coleman


    With a new President, a new logo and a revamped website, USEF is rolling into 2017 with a new agenda: involve more people in horse sport by restructuring the membership options, focus on fun and streamline the committee structure.

    President Murray Kessler is adamant that in order to survive, US Equestrian must court new members—at the grassroots level. In an effort to push more “average” riders to become US Equestrian members, and entire section of their website is now devoted to what riders (and their family) needs to know as they begin their horsey habit.


    In addition, there are a plethora of videos ( currently 50, to be exact) in the new Learning Center covering everything from how to walk a showjumping course to dressage tips to choosing a bridle to managing competition anxiety. With each video, US Equestrian is making a diligent effort to be one of the first places equine enthusiasts, both new and seasoned, stop for information on horses and horse sport. 


    Gaining New Members

    In statistics he cited at the US Equestrian Annual Meeting held in Lexington in January, Kessler noted that there are an estimated 1.9 million horses in the United States—and only 4 percent of equine owners are US Equestrian members.

    While many people view the only perk of being a US Equestrian member as that of accumulating year-end points, Kessler wants to change that, encouraging all equine owners to become US Equestrian members—not just those who compete. To do this, US Equestrian is rolling out a non-compete membership for $25, which grants members access to everything short of the ability to show at sanctioned shows.


    True to his mission, US Equestrian now includes a “Start Riding” page on their website that encourages riders to ride, not simply show. This page is an introduction to breeds and disciplines; youth program; stable and farm safety; and a horse classifieds page that reroutes you to equine.com in an effort to help you find your next mount. 


    Revamping the Show Scene

    While the majority of current US Equestrian members are active competitors, Kessler would like to see growth not just of the horse showing contingency, but also of horse shows. Kessler is intent on revamping the face of horse showing in the United States to include some smaller, grassroots events in addition to the large, rated shows and events. This effort would encourage even financially limited riders to dip their toes into showing on a local level. 

    Additionally, Kessler would like to ensure that a level playing field is available to all competitors. To do this, he’s making all drugs and medications violations have more teeth, taking into account previous offenses and making sure repeat offenders have hefty penalties leveraged against them. 

  • 01/16/2017 11:38 AM | Deleted user

    The following rules have been proposed or enacted for the 2017 competition year for the eventing discipline:


    Read more here. 


    EV172 Additional Judges [CHAPTER EV-6 RULES FOR OFFICIALS] EV172
    Additional Judges
    1. In addition to the Ground Jury, the Organizing Committee may appoint additional judges to judge the Dressage or Jumping Tests. These judges need not remain after completion of their duties.
    2. Additional judges for the Dressage Test must be selected from the current roster of Eventing Judges or Dressage Judges of the Federation. In the case of an Advanced Horse Trial, they must be either a Senior (S) Eventing Judge or a Registered (R) or higher Dressage Judge. In the case of an Intermediate Horse Trial, they must be either a Registered (R) or higher Eventing Judge or a recorded (r) or higher Dressage Judge.
    3. Additional judges for the Jumping Test must be selected from the current roster of Eventing Judges, Eventing Technical Delegates or Jumper Judges, of the Federation.
    4. All additional judges are subject to the same restrictions as the members of the Ground Jury, see EV171.1c, EV171.1d, and EV171.1e with the exception to EV171.1e, that the Course Designer may serve as an additional judge if currently licensed to do so.
    5. Guest Cards (see GR1011.16)
    The provisions of GR1304 notwithstanding, additional judges may officiate at a competition provided that they do not judge any competitor(s) or horse(s) listed in sections .2-.18 of that rule. There are no restrictions on a Judge if a competitor(s) or horses(s) listed in GR1304.2-.18 participates in the Competition HC.

    EV172.2 a) Ground Jury - Duties [CHAPTER EV-6 RULES FOR OFFICIALS]
    Ground Jury
    2. DUTIES: a. The Ground Jury is ultimately responsible for the judging of the event and for settling all problems that may arise during its jurisdiction. Together with the Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Organizing Committee, it shall endeavor to ensure that all arrangements for the event, including the arenas, courses and obstacles including deformable Cross-Country Jumps, are appropriate. If, after consultation with the Technical Delegate, the Ground Jury is not satisfied with the arrangements or courses, it is authorized to modify them.

    Proposed change to take place on April 1, 2017: Safety: Frangible Fences

    EV140 Cross-Country Obstacles [CHAPTER SUBCHAPTER EV-3 RULES FOR HORSE TRIALS]
    9. FRANGIBLE FENCES Obstacles for which approved frangible technology is appropriate shall be constructed using this technology, or shall be retrofitted using this technology. The Ground Jury for each event must approve the Frangible Technology employed. Information on the appropriate applications of Frangible Technology in cross-country fence construction is available in the USEA Cross-Country Obstacle Design Guidelines. Frangible Technology may be installed only by or under the supervision of Course Designers/course builders who have attended a USEA Seminar on Frangible fence construction.

    b. At the Modified Level and above, all frangible oxers, whether using frangible pins, MIM Clips, or any other load relieving devices, shall in all cases have front rails able to be activated by horizontal and vertical downwards forces, as well as horizontal and vertical upwards forces. Additionally, the back rails must at a minimum be able to be activated by horizontal and vertical downwards forces.

    Intent:
    The USEA Cross-Country Safety and Design Task Force has proposed an extraordinary rule change, which has been further supported unanimously by the USEA Executive Committee. Engineers, cross-country course designers, cross-country builders, eventing officials and professionals have been conducting extensive observational research in person, by video and by photograph of horse and rider impact on oxers constructed with frangible devices. Those involved in this research have determined that when a horse impacts the front rail of a frangible oxer in an upwards and horizontal trajectory there is a high probability that an oxer with a front rail that is either front pinned or reverse pinned will fail to activate the frangible device or it will activate in a less than ideal fashion to reduce the possibility of a rotational fall. With this conclusive evidence the USEA Executive Committee feels that an extraordinary rule change is necessary to help to further protect the safety of eventing horses and riders.

    This rule change would require both the front and back rails of frangible oxers using pins, MIM clips or other load bearing devices, be activated by specified forces. To be in compliance with this rule change using present frangible technology, builders must use MIMS on front rails and MIMS or reverse pin on back rails. While current technology is available to meet this standard, the language will also allow for future frangible devices. This is a change that will most likely occur in the near future through the FEI, and it is important for the U.S. to be a leader in regulations that will ultimately protect our national competitors and horses. If this rule passes, the USEA Board of Governors may also be amenable to releasing funds to offset the costs of course builders obtaining replacement frangible devices for oxers not currently meeting this standard at recognized and endorsed competitions thereby lessening the overall burden in implementation.

    Read more here.




    Extraordinary Rule Change:
    EV105 Loss of Qualification/Participation in Horse Trials [CHAPTER Chapter 1 & Appendix 3]
    EV105 Loss of Qualifications
    For certain levels of competition, horses and riders must meet qualifying requirements. Those requirements are detailed in Appendix 3. Loss of these requirements (qualifications) is outlined below and pertains to any combination of USEF and FEI Events.
    1. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFICATION. When a horse and/or rider obtains a Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) at a level, then they are “established” (qualified to compete) at that level. This “establishment” does not expire; however, it is important to remember that in all cases, when entering an Event at the CI1* level or above, at least one MER must be obtained in the 12month period prior to the competition.
    2. LOSS OF QUALIFICATION (Preliminary/CI* Level and up) Loss of Qualification will occur when penalties have been assessed during the Cross-Country phase of competition as follows:

    a. A horse that is eliminated, for disobediences, three times within any 12-month period loses its qualification to compete at the highest level at which an elimination occurs.

    b. A horse that falls 2 times in any 12month period loses its qualification Monday, December 12, 2016 1:23 PM EV 105.0 | Tracking #418-16 Page 1 of 8 to compete at the highest level at which a fall occurs.

    c. A rider who falls from the same horse 3 times in any 12month period will cause the horse to lose its qualification to compete at the highest level at which a fall occurs.

    d. Having lost qualification, a horse may be re-qualified by achieving 2 MERs at the next lower height level within any 6 month period and no sooner than one month following the loss of qualification.

    e. Any combination of three total occurrences as outlined in a., b., or c above will result in loss of qualification.

    f. A rider who is penalized 2 times in any 12month period for Dangerous Riding loses his/her qualification to compete at the highest level at which a penalty occurs

    g. A rider who receives two watch list reports in a 12month period loses qualification to compete at the highest level for which a report was received.

    h. Having lost qualification, a rider may be re-qualified by achieving 2 MERs at the next lower height level within any 6month period and no sooner than one month following the loss of qualification.

    i. Any combination of two total occurrences as outlined in f. and g. above will result in loss of qualification.

    3. At the Advanced, CI3*and CI4* levels, riders subject to the provisions of this rule may request in writing to have their Loss of Qualifications reviewed by the USEF Eventing Credentials Committee.

    APPENDIX 3 - PARTICIPATION IN HORSE TRIALS
    A competitor and/or a horse may be entered in a Horse Trial without having fulfilled the qualifications noted below, provided the qualifications have been fulfilled at least 10 days before the Cross-Country Test of the competition for which it is needed if the MER has been achieved at a Horse Trial or CIC or at least 24 days if the MER has been achieved at a CCI. At the CI* level and above, at least one MER must be obtained in the twelve month period prior to the competition. e.g. a horse and/or rider who have achieved a MER at a CI3*/CNC3* level of competition and who have not competed for over twelve months must first achieve a MER at the next lowest height level.

    1. SECTIONS
    1.1 JUNIOR (J) - For the purpose of competing in National Horse Trials competitors may compete as Juniors through the end of the calendar year of their 18th birthday.

    1.2 YOUNG RIDER (YR) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday through the end of the calendar year of their 21st birthday.

    1.3 AMATEUR (A) The following may participate in Eventing competitions as an Amateur:

    a. Any competitor in possession of a valid Amateur card issued by the USEF, or

    b. Any Senior USEA member who competes in the Training, Novice or Beginner Novice Level who meets the requirements of Federation GR1306. Individuals declaring such status must present, upon demand, an audited financial statement in support of the claim of eligibility; failure to do so will be deemed a violation. Misrepresentation of eligibility under this provision will subject an individual to disciplinary action under GR1307.6, GR1307.8, GR1308.3 and Chapter 6. Amateur certification under this provision is valid for Eventing competitions only and does not confer Amateur status for participation in any other Breed or Discipline.

    1.4 For the purposes of this rule, in differentiating eligibility for Horse and Rider sections, FEI divisions are considered to be one level higher than the equivalent National division, e.g. FEI One Star is one level higher than a Preliminary Horse Trial. A rider who has completed an event at the Advanced Level is not eligible to compete as an Intermediate rider.

    1.5 RIDER (R) - Open to competitors who have not completed an event above the next highest level in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition, e.g. a Novice Rider may have completed an event at Training level, but not Preliminary level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition; a Training Rider may have completed an event at Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition.

    1.6 HORSE (H) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have completed an event above the next highest level. e.g. a Novice Horse may have completed an event at Training level, but not Preliminary level or higher; a Training Horse may have completed an event at Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher.

    1.7 YOUNG HORSE (YH) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have competed above the level and meets the following age restrictions:

    a. Novice - four or five years of age.
    b. Training - four or five years of age.
    c. Preliminary - five or six years of age.
    d. Intermediate - six or seven years of age.
    e. Advanced - six or seven years of age. 1.9 OPEN (O) - Both horse and rider may have competed at any level.

    1.10 CHAMPIONSHIP (CH) - open to all qualified riders on qualified horses.

    1.11 OTHER - Restricted by breed or other designation as defined by Organizing Committee, approved by the Federation/USEA, and designated in the Omnibus listing

    2. DEFINITIONS
    2.1 Completion: means having completed the entire Horse Trial with a numerical score.

    2.2 Minimum Eligibility Requirement
    2.2.1 When achieved at a National Horse Trials an MER is achieved by completing the entire Horse Trial and scoring. -not more than 50 penalty points in the Dressage Test; and - No jumping penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country Test unless specified otherwise, and not more than 90 seconds (36 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time; and - not more than 16 penalties at obstacles in the Jumping Test. -25 penalty points received for Dangerous Riding will not achieve a National Qualifying result. Exceptions to the qualifications noted below may only be approved by the Credentials/Grading Committee.

    2.2.2 When achieved at an FEI Competition an MER is achieved by completing the entire Horse Trial and scoring. -not more than 67 penalty points in the Dressage Test; and - No jumping penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country Test unless specified otherwise, and not more than 75 seconds (30 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time for one, two and three star competitions and 100 seconds (40 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time for four star competitions; and - not more than 16 penalties at obstacles in the Jumping Test (see Article 517 of the FEI Eventing Rules).

    2.3 Uncategorized Rider: Riders who have not been categorized through proven competence at certain levels of competition i.e. A rider, B riders, etc. by the FEI per Article 520 of the FEI Eventing Rules for the purpose of determining rider eligibility for International Horse Trials and Events). All requirements of the FEI must be achieved as a combination. Where FEI requirements refer to a “CI” this may be satisfied by achieving an MER at a CCI or CIC of the level stated. When multiple Minimum Eligibility Requirements are required, one of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements can be achieved incurring 20 penalties at the obstacles of the Cross Country Test. All USEF requirements do not need to be achieved as a combination.

    2.4 Categorized Riders: Riders who have been categorized through proven competence at certain levels of competition A riders, B riders, etc. by the FEI per Article 520 of the FEI Eventing Rules for the purpose of determining rider eligibility for International Horse Trials and Events. Where FEI requirements refer to a “CI” this may be satisfied by achieving an MER at a CCI or CIC of the level stated. When multiple Minimum Eligibility Requirements are required, one of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements can be achieved incurring 20 penalties at the obstacles of the Cross Country Test. All USEF requirements do not need to be achieved as a combination.



    3. LEVELS OF HORSE TRIALS AND EVENTS
    3.1 BEGINNER NOVICE (B) - Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age and older.

    3.2 NOVICE (N) - Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older.

    3.3 TRAINING (T) - Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older.

    3.4 MODIFIED (M) – Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained an NQR at two Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher.

    3.5 PRELIMINARY (P) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained an MER at four Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher.

    3.6 TRAINING THREE-DAY EVENT- Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse must have obtained ME’s at Four Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher, one of which must be attained as a combination. A competitor established at the Preliminary Level may compete on a horse which has obtained 2 MER’s at the Training Level or higher.

    3.7 PRELIMINARY THREE-DAY EVENT- Open to competitors beginning the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained an MER at three Horse Trials at the Preliminary Level or higher, plus an additional MER at the Preliminary Level or higher with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test.

    3.8 INTERMEDIATE (I) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained an NQR at three Horse Trials at the Preliminary Level or higher, plus an additional MER at the Preliminary Level or higher with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test.

    3.9 ADVANCED (A)
    3.9.1 UNCATEGORIZED RIDERS - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained a minimum of one MER with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test, at either a CI 2* or Intermediate Level plus three MERs at the Intermediate Level or higher.

    3.9.2 CATEGORIZED RIDERS - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained a minimum of one MER with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test, at either a CI 2* or Intermediate Level plus two NQRs at the Intermediate Level or higher.

    The changes to the levels of international horse trials and events, categorized and uncategorized riders can be found here. 

  • 01/04/2017 7:26 PM | Deleted user

    While every rider wants to ensure that her horse is as protected as possible during athletic endeavors, the options of what boots, wraps and other leg-protection measures can be daunting.

    By Sarah E Coleman

    While there are a plethora of equine leg protection options out there, not all of them are right (or safe!) for every application. What might be popular for a reining or working cow horse might not be the best choice for those riding out cross-country, where boots are exposed to water, dirt and debris, which could weigh them down.

    Equine leg protection has several different purposes, which are dependent on their design. Some boots are designed to protect horse’s legs while they are being ridden or turned out; other boots are designed to absorb shock from physical activity.

    Your horse may be a candidate to wear boots if: 

    • He is a big mover
    • He interferes, knocking one limb with another
    • He has sustained an injury to one of his limbs

    No matter what boots you decide to use, fit is key: You should be able to fit one finger between the boot and your horse’s leg. If the boot is too lose, it can slip down or gather dirt, causing rubs.

    Types of Leg Protection

    Here is a brief rundown of the different boot styles and their uses:

    Polo wraps:


    Made of a thick, stretchy fleece material, polo wraps can protect a horse’s legs from dings from other limbs. While they are one of the most-basic types of leg protection, care must be taken to apply them correctly; improperly used wrapped polo wraps, those applied either too tightly or with uneven pressure, may cause tendon injuries.

    Splint Boots:
    Used on horses that interfere, splint boots have a reinforced area on the inside of the leg that is designed to absorb impact from a horse’s hoof. Typically some of the most-affordable boots, they are quicker and easier to apply then polo wraps. Split boots can also be used during turnout.

    Support Boots:


    An all-purpose boot, support boots are used to provide support more than protection; they have a suspensory strap that helps provide support to the leg.

    Cross-country boots:
    Designed to protect a horse as he gallops over uneven terrain and water on a cross-country course, these boots are typically made of a strong, lightweight material. They have reinforced strike pads on the interior of the boot to provide additional protection. These boots do not absorb water, unlike polo wraps and support boots.

    Open-front Jumping Boots:


    With the front of the horse’s leg exposed, the protection these boots afford is in the back, covering the tendon area. The front of the boot is left open so that a horse “feels it” if he touches a rail.

    Skid Boots:
    Common in Western events, skid boots are used on a horse’s hind legs during ridden work; they protect the horse as he lowers his hocks and sinks down into the footing. In addition to protecting from abrasions, they also protect the legs from strikes from opposing legs.

    Bell boots:
    Designed to fit around the fetlock and protect the coronet band and hoof from being grabbed by another hoof, bell boots can be either pulled on fastened with Velcro. Designed to cover the heel bulb to prevent injury (as well as shoe removal), bell boots should also be strongly considered if the horse is wearing studs in his shoes so he does not injure himself.

    Fetlock Boots:
    These boots are used to protect the fetlocks on the hind legs. Similar to splint boots, their protection is focused on the inside to absorb strikes from opposing legs.

    Flat Work/Dressage Boots:


    Typically lined with neoprene or fleece, dressage or flat-work boots are easy to apply and easy to clean. Similar to splint boots, they are reinforced on the inside of the leg to protect from interference.

  • 12/20/2016 6:07 PM | Deleted user

    By Aubri Hostetter of Excel Equine


    One of the most common struggles I hear from horse owners is that they always have one or two horses that they are trying to put weight on.  When you feel as though you are doing everything right, such as deworming regularly, getting their teeth done, having great quality hay and feed, and consulting your veterinarian to see if there are any underlying issues, it can be easily frustrating to not notice an improvement in your horse’s body condition.  Sometimes horses are simply hard keepers…just like some people!  One practice that I have seen people have success with is supplementing with rice bran.  There are many advantages to engaging in this feeding practice and a few precautions that need to be taken into consideration as well. 

    First, rice bran is the brown layer left from when the rice seed is harvested.  So yes, it is a by-product of rice milling…which just goes to show you that by-products are not bad!  There are many by-products that make great feed ingredients.  These days, there seems to be many negative connotations associated with by-products so I just wanted to clear that up…now back to rice bran!  Being that it is high in fat and fiber, it is a good product for digestive issues related to starch.  Anyone that has horses who are struck with laminitis and colic often knows what I’m talking about.  Some ailments call for a low starch diet, but you still need adequate calories for athletes, lesson horses, hard keepers, etc.  This is where rice bran can come in and be a huge asset to your feeding program.  Rice bran is also very palatable.  Another complaint I hear is that someone has one horse in the barn who is just a picky eater.  If this sounds like one of your horses, trying rice bran could be an effective strategy for getting those that like to turn their noses up from so many things to eat better.  Furthermore, rice bran is high in vitamin E.  For horses exercising heavily, Vitamin E is required in large amounts, and rice bran is a good, available source.  From a cosmetic standpoint, you will likely notice an increase in quality of hair coat and skin condition.  Rice bran will help your horse look slick and shiny for its next big competition.

    Now for the precautions…there are several that people need to keep in mind when supplementing with rice bran.  Make sure that you purchase fortified rice bran.  This kind will have added calcium to balance an inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio.  Also buy stabilized rice bran.  If it is not stabilized, then due to the high fat content, it will go rancid quickly unless it is used within about a week.  When feeding, keep in mind to not feed more than 2 lbs of whatever rice bran supplement you are using per day.  It is very high in calories so don’t treat it like you would your regular feed! 

    So if you are one of those people out there struggling to find a solution for you skinny animal…this might just be it!  Rice bran can be purchased in pellets or in powder form.  So start taking advantage of the many benefits that a high fat supplement such as rice bran has to offer and enjoy your happier and healthier horse! 


Midsouth Eventing & Dressage Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

MSEDA’s mission is to promote and preserve the sports of Eventing and Dressage in the Mid-South area, by providing leadership and education to its members and the community at large. To further these goals, MSEDA will provide educational opportunities, fair and safe competitions, promote the welfare of the horse and rider and reward the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the FEI level.



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