Mid-South Eventing & Dressage Association

MSEDA News

  • 01/15/2018 10:17 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E. Coleman

    While the eventing and dressage rules are tweaked every year to ensure more-fair competition and horse and rider safety, there are some significant changes that have taken place for the 2018 competition year. While the items listed below are not exhaustive, they are important to note. For additional information, please visit usef.org and useventing.com.


    The Young Horse Program Changes

    In addition to the changes noted below, the USEA Young Event Horse Program will also have some significant changes, including new (shortened) dressage tests, new scoring and judging systems, and a conformation section that is only held at championships. The competition will now consist solely of a dressage section and a jumping/galloping section, which has new standards.

    You can find the score sheets here: http://useventing.com/sites/default/files/YEH%20Scoresheet%20Qualifying%20Competition.pdf

    For 2018, a mare must compete in her appropriate age group (the bye-year has been removed).

    Additional information on the Young Event Horse Program can be found here: http://useventing.com/competitions/yeh.


    Eventing Rule Changes

    The following changes, noted in red, have been approved by USEF.

    EV115 Saddlery
    2. Dressage Test
    c. a rounded snaffle bit made of metal, leather, rubber or plastic material is permitted for all tests.
    f. Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running or balancing reins, etc.), reins with any loops or hand attachments, any kind of boots or leg bandages and any form of blinkers, including earmuffs, earplugs, hoods, and seat covers are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden. Ear hoods are permitted for all Tests and may also provide noise reduction. However, ear hoods must not cover the horse’s eyes and ear plugs are not permitted. The ear hoods should be discreet in color and design. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    EV131 Cross-Country Scoring
    1. FAULTS AT OBSTACLES:
    a. Disobediences -
    5. Fourth penalized disobedience on the entire course at Beginner Novice, Novice, Training or Modified Elimination. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    EV142 Cross Country – Definitions of Faults
    2. Disobediences (Refusals and Runouts)
    b. Runouts. A horse is considered to be disobedient if it runs-out, avoids the obstacle or element to be jumped in such a way that it has to be represented. A rider is permitted to change his mind as to where he jumps an obstacle or element at any time without penalty for a run-out, including as a result of a mistake at a previous obstacle or element. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    SUBCHAPTER EV-6 RULES FOR OFFICIALS
    EV171 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. BOD 1/14/17 Effective 12/1/17

    EV172 Additional Judges
    5. Guest Cards (see GR1011.16) BOD 1/14/17 Effective 12/1/17

    EV174 Course Advisors
    a. A Cross Country Course Advisor shall be appointed by the Federation for certain Horse Trials and Three-Day Events as designated by the Federation Eventing Sport Committee. The Cross Country Course Advisor will approve the design of the proposed course, including: the distance covered, the terrain and the condition and quality of the track; and the number of obstacles, their construction and variety and marking or flagging, the number of combinations, and the appropriateness of the level to the competition. The Cross Country Course Advisor will provide the course designer (CD) and technical delegate (TD) with a report which indicates any changes, either recommended, priority, or essential, to be made to each fence on the course. After inspection of the Cross Country course and prior to the event, the TD will complete the Cross Country Course Advisor Report for return to the Federation with the TD report. All essential changes must be made or the fence shall be removed from the course for the competition. All priority changes must be addressed prior to use at the next event or removed from the course.
    b. Eventing Show Jumping Course Advisor please refer to program details at www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/ eventing. For Show Jumping courses, the TD shall include a copy of the Show Jumping Courses, as posted at the competition, with the TD report. All essential Show Jumping changes must be made. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    APPENDIX 4 - EVENTING - PREMITTED SADDLERY FOR DRESSAGE
    See Annex 1 for Approved Bits for National Competitions
    ** noseband rules have changed, for additional information, visit https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/KlV5P9prkmM/ev-eventing-division


    Dressage Rule Changes

    The following changes, noted in red, have been approved by USEF.

    DR117 The Position of and  Aids of the Rider
    4. Riding with both hands is obligatory at all national and International Dressage Events. However, riding with one hand is permitted in the Freestyle Tests and when leaving the arena. Individuals holding a Federation Dispensation Certificate may use bridged or special adaptive reins for use with one or no hand(s), if their physical limitations require such and the equipment is listed on the Dispensation Certificate.
    Apart from the halt and salute, where the athlete must take the reins in one hand, riding with the reins in both hands is obligatory at FEI Dressage Events, but a discreet ‘pat on the neck’ for a well performed exercise, or for reassurance, is perfectly acceptable (as is the situation of an athlete needing to wipe a fly from their eye, or other situations such as adjusting clothing, saddle pads etc). However, if the rider intentionally takes the reins into one hand in order to use either the reins or the other hand to produce more impulsion from the horse, or to promote applause from the spectators during the test, it will be considered a fault and will be reflected in the mark for both the movement and the collective mark for ‘Rider’.

    6. The use of the voice in any way whatsoever or clicking the tongue once or repeatedly is a fault involving the deduction of at least 2 marks from those that would otherwise have been awarded for the movement where this occurred. Use of voice should also be considered in the collective mark for the rider. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    DR119 Participation in Dressage Competitions

    2. Horses may compete in no more than one Licensed Competition on the same day and are limited to a maximum of three Dressage rides per day at Fourth Level and below (including Rider Tests) or two Dressage rides per day above Fourth Level. Horses competing at both Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges, or their equivalents, are limited to two Dressage rides per day. Horses competing in FEI Para-Equestrian tests are limited to a maximum of two Dressage rides per day including equivalent USEF or USDF tests. FEI Para-Equestrian tests may be ridden at non-consecutive levels to USDF, USEF, and other FEI tests. Horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels, Freestyle levels included, at any one competition (refer to the following chart). Dressage Seat Equitation, Quadrille, Pas de Deux and Materiale classes are excluded from the maximum limit of rides per day and horses in these classes may compete at any level for which they are otherwise eligible during the same competition.

    Except for Young Horse tests, all dressage tests listed above shall be considered equivalent to the highest test of the level (e.g. the FEI Pony Rider Team Test is considered equivalent to Second Level Test 3). BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    DR120 Dress

    2. For all tests above Fourth Level, and FEI Junior Tests, and FEI Dressage Tests for 5, 6, and 7 year old horses, the dress code is: a dark tailcoat or a dark jacket with protective headgear, as defined in DR120.6 and in compliance with GR801, and white or light colored breeches, stock or tie or integrated stand-up collar, gloves, and black riding boots. Spurs are mandatory for FEI tests (except as noted above under DR120.1). (See DR120.8) BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18
    3. At all test levels, riders may wear jackets in other colors within the international HSV color scale, as described in FEI Dressage Regulations, Art. 427.1. Contrast coloring and piping is allowed. Protective headgear, stocks, ties, gloves and riding boots may be the same color as the coat. For Grand Prix Freestyle only: any single color tailcoat or jacket will be allowed; striped or multi-colored coats are not permitted, and tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue or modest piping or crystal decorations, are acceptable. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    DR121 Saddlery and Equipment

    2. For Training, First and Second Level tests, FEI Tests for Children, and FEI Pony tests, a plain snaffle bridle is required with a regular cavesson, a dropped noseband, a flash noseband (a combination of a cavesson noseband and a dropped noseband attachment) or a crossed noseband. Except for the buckles and a small disk of sheepskin, which may be used in the intersection of the two leather straps of a crossed noseband, the headstall and cavesson/noseband of the bridle must be made entirely of leather or leather-like material. However, wear tabs on cheek pieces and reins may be made of non-leather or other material. A padded cavesson/noseband and crownpiece are allowed. Nylon or other non-metal material may be used to reinforce leather in the headstall but must not come in direct contact with the horse. Elastic inserts are permitted in the crownpiece and cheekpieces only. A browband is required, and except for the parts that attach to the crownpiece or headstall, is not required to be made of leather or leather-like material. The crownpiece of the bridle must lie immediately behind the poll and may extend forward onto the poll, but it may not be fitted to lie behind the skull (see diagram). Bridles are not permitted in which the noseband is connected to the bit or cheekpiece below the level of the browband. A throatlatch is required except when the combined noseband or Micklem bridle are used. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    4. For FEI tests ridden at national competitions, a plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle may be used, as described above in DR121.2-.3. However, for USEF High Performance qualifying and championship classes, USEF Young Adult qualifying and championship classes, USEF Junior championship classes, and USEF Young Rider championship classes, a double bridle is mandatory. Snaffle bridles are permitted for NAJYRC qualifying classes, USEF Junior qualifying classes and USEF Young Rider qualifying classes. Double bridles are mandatory for NAJYRC and USEF Junior and Young Rider championships. Only snaffles, curbs and bridoons pictured under Figure 1-B and in Annex A are permitted in FEI tests. For the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and the USEF Dressage Test for 4-year old horses, a plain snaffle bridle is required, as above (DR121.2). Either a snaffle or double bridle may be used in the FEI tests for 7-year old horses. However, when a snaffle is used in FEI tests, a snaffle is required as described in Figure I and as pictured in Figure 1B and Annex A. The crossed (figure-8, Mexican) noseband is not permitted for the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, 6, and 7-year-old horses and the USEF test for 4-year old horses. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    7. Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running, balancing reins, neck straps, nasal strips, tongue tied down, etc.), any kind of boots (including “easy-boots”) or bandages (including tail bandages) and any form of blinkers, earmuffs or plugs, nose covers, seat covers, hoods are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden. One small identification tag, no larger than 1.5” diameter, such as the Ver Tag, may be attached to the horse’s mane. The use of equine body tape or bands (equi-taping, Kinesio tape) is prohibited. Shoes (with or without cuffs) that are attached with nails or glue, or wraps that do not extend past the hair line of the hoof are permitted. Fly hoods (ear covers) are permitted for all classes in order to protect horses from insects. The fly hoods should be discreet in color and design and should not cover the horse’s eyes. After completion of the test, the rider 519 DR - DRESSAGE DIVISION © USEF 2018 or his representative is responsible for removing the fly hood to present to the designated ring steward for inspection to ensure that nothing prohibited has been added (for example, ear plugs). Logos in complaince with DR121.1 and manufacturer’s logos are permitted. However, per DR121.9, ring stewards are only required to inspect fly hoods and other equipment in one-third of the horses in a class. When an inspection is conducted, all equipment including including fly hoods, whips, etc. must be inspected. In championship classes, saddlery inspections are required for each horse. Leg bandages are allowed in Pas de Deux and Quadrille classes. A breastplate and/or crupper may be used, except that a breastplate is not permitted in USEF High Performance Championships, USEF High Performance Qualifying and Selection Trials. A rein is a continuous, uninterrupted strap or line from the bridle bit to the hand. Rein additions or attachments are not permitted. Each bit must be attached to a separate rein and reins may only be attached to bits. Any decoration of the horse with extravagant items, such as ribbons or flowers, etc. in the mane, tail, etc., is strictly forbidden. (Exception: A red ribbon in a horse’s tail is permitted to identify a horse that kicks). Braiding of the horse’s mane and tail, however, is permitted. False tails are permitted and if used may not contain any metal parts. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    Figure 3 PERMITTED NOSEBANDS AND BRIDLES (nosebands are compulsory) BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18 (Refer also to Annex A posted on the USEF website for additional information on permitted and prohibited nosebands and bridles)

    DR122 Execution and Judging of Tests

    k. Other Errors. For USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, all of the following are considered errors (faults), and two (2) points will be deducted per error (fault), but they are not cumulative and will not result in elimination (including for Freestyle tests):

    6. If the Freestyle test is longer or shorter than stipulated on the test sheet, zero point five percentage points (0.5%) will be deducted from the total artistic score;
    7. Using voice or clicking the tongue repeatedly;
    8. Athletes not taking the reins in one (1) hand at the salute. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    13. For FEI Tests for 4, 5 and 6-year old horses, and the USEF test for 4-year old horses, the judges must sit together at “C”. Individual movements are not judged. The judges must fill out one Marking Sheet with general comments and marks at the end of the test. For Young Horse qualifying classes, competition management is encouraged to provide a microphone for the judges so that a short summary may be given to the audience after each ride. FEI guidelines for judging shall be followed. Tests must be ridden from memory.

    For FEI Dressage Tests for Seven Year old Horses: Each of the two FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses has two marking sheets, a technical test (titled Test and Technical Marking Sheet) and a young horse evaluation (titled Quality Marking Sheet). The FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses must be judged by Senior ‘S’ or FEI judges.

    Placement of Judges: One Judge – Judge at C uses only the Quality Marking Sheet OR the Technical Marking Sheet; Two Judges – Judge at C uses only the Technical Marking Sheet; Judge at B or E uses only the Quality Marking Sheet; or Three Judges - Judge at C uses only the Technical Marking Sheet; two judges at B or E use only the Quality Marking Sheet. To include this test in Young Horse Test of Choice (TOC) class, ONLY the Quality Marking Sheet can be offered and one judge must preside. If two or three judges are used, the test must be offered in a separate class that is limited to FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses. The technical score and the quality score shall be weighted each with 50% towards the final score.

    Competition Management is encouraged to provide a microphone only for judges responsible for the Quality Test so that he/they may give a short summary after each ride. Tests must be ridden from memory. Please note that if only one judge presides, Competition Management must clearly state in the Prize List if the class(es) will be judged using the Quality Marking Sheet OR the Technical Marking Sheet. BOD 1/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    DR123 Scoring, Classification and Prize-Giving

    2. The total score for the classification is obtained by adding the total points and determining the percentage score. With more than one judge, the percentage score is determined by adding the sum total points earned from all judges and dividing by the total available points. If there are two or more judges, the points awarded by each judge will be published separately in addition to the total score. Total final results and scores (to include artistic and technical % scores for freestyles) must be published in marks as well as in percentages with numbers to three places after the decimal point. Scores must be posted on a public scoreboard as soon as possible after each ride. The public scoreboard may be in either paper or electronic format. The name of each judge must be posted along with the position where he/she is sitting. When multiple judges officiate from different positions, scores must be posted in the following order: E, H, C, M, B. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    3. Individual Classification. In all competitions the winner is the competitor having the highest percentage, the second placed competitor is the one with the next highest percentage, and so on. In case of equality of points the competitor with the highest marks received under General Impressions shall be declared the winner. When the scores for General Impressions are equal after coefficients have been applied, the horses must remain tied. Errors on a test may not be used to break ties. When the final score in Rider Tests are equal, the competitors must remain tied. Final results for each class must be posted as soon as possible after the class is completed and all results must include total points and percentages with numbers to three places after the decimal point, eliminated horses, and the placing of each horse that receives an award. If a competitor withdraws (scratches) prior to a class or is excused, eliminated or a “no show” prior to or during the performance of a test, the words “scratched”, “excused”, “eliminated”, or “no show” or abbreviations of each, must appear after the competitor’s name in the result sheet. Competitors may not “withdraw” or “scratch” after the final salute of a test. Only the judge at “C” may give permission to withdraw during a test. Competition Management has no authority to grant permission for a rider to withdraw or scratch during or after a test. The published final results may be in paper or electronic format and must remain posted throughout the entire competition. The name of each judge must be posted along with the position where he/she is sitting. When multiple judges officiate from different positions, scores must be posted in the following order: E, H, C, M, B. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

    DR126 Requirements for Dressage Competition Management

    7. The jury for the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and USEF Dressage Test for 4-year old horses, and Rider Tests, must be seated together at “C” and may comprise a maximum of three judges. (Exception: See Selection Procedures for the USEF National Championships for Young Horses for the number and placement of judges in the Young Horse championship competition.) The number and placement of judges in classes and championships for FEI 7-year-old horses must be as described in DR122.13 or, if applicable, the Selection Procedures for the World Breeding Championships for 7-year-old horses. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

    DR129 Musical Freestyle Ride

    e. Under penalty of elimination at the discretion of the judge at “C”, a rider must enter the arena within 30 seconds of the music starting. Exception: For USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, see DR122.5. The music must cease at the final salute. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18
    f. See DR126.3 (Dressage Levels Chart) for requirements on sound systems to play music for freestyles. Competition Levels 3-5 must have a sound system to play music. Level 2 competitions must have a sound system to play music if freestyle classes are offered. There are no minimum requirements for Level 1 competitions. BOD 1/14/17 Effective 12/1/17

    By no means an exhaustive list, there are additional breeding and competition details at usef.org 



  • 01/10/2018 10:37 AM | Deleted user

    If you’re looking to brush up on your competition knowledge before the 2018 show season gets into full swing, be sure to check out “Dazed and Confused? Bits, Bridles and Equipment: How Not to Get Eliminated,” which will be held on January 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope at the Kentucky Horse Park.

    By Sarah E. Coleman


    Presented by Susan Moran, Karen Winn and Janice Holmes, all speakers in this must-attend educations forum are uniquely qualified to talk the ins-and-outs of legal tack. Susan is a USEF Technical Delegate in Dressage, and an FEI Steward in Eventing; Karen Winn is a USEF Dressage, Eventing and Western Dressage Judge, an Eventing TD, and an FEI Eventing Judge, TD and Chief Steward. Janie Holmes is a MSEDA member and eventing judge.

    The cost of the forum is $50 for MSEDA officials and $25 for auditors; included in that fee is a tasty lunch, as well as coffee throughout the day.

    Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, as well as bring in any tack or equipment about which they have questions. Tack will also be brought in by Karen and Susan to discuss.

    • An in-depth PowerPoint presentation will include:
    • Images of legal and illegal equipment
    • What a TD needs to know, including setting rings and judges booths
    • Western dressage
    • 2018 eventing dressage tests
    • New rule DR123.3, which details withdrawal from a class with or without judge’s permission (withdrawal without permission from the judge could result in a yellow card warning!)
    • Are “comfort bridles” legal?
    • The differences between legal dressage and eventing tack
    • How to apply the rules when officiating a mixed competition (i.e., a schooling show with a combined test as well as dressage and western dressage classes
    • Logos on saddlepads and fly veils
    • Boots and other leg protection
    • Ring steward duties
    • Bit checks

    Covering information that is essential to those who show, this seminar will be invaluable for learning how not getting eliminated from competition for something minor like illegal tack. “As a TD, I find that there are a lot of questions on equipment now … the new comfort bridles are causing quite a stir as they must have throat latches for National shows and they must have clips instead of buckles,” explains Susan. “Eventing and dressage have [an overlap of equipment] that is not agreed upon,” with regards to legality, so it’s imperative that all competitors truly understand that rules that govern their discipline to alleviate fear of disqualification.

    Register Online

  • 01/02/2018 10:13 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E. Coleman



    Shelley Ryan is the 2017 recipient of the Christine Brown Memorial Grant, given each year in honor of avid eventer Christine Brown to a deserving MSEDA member to further their equine education.

     “I have worked many years as an organizer and volunteer at area horse trials and combined tests​,” says Shelley. “I am a big proponent of schooling shows and became a MSEDA Technical Delegate for their sanctioned events,” she explains. Sanctioning of equine events is important to Shelley. “I would like to increase that support in promoting sanctioning of schooling shows that are not currently sanctioned, but [that] are interested in becoming sanctioned with MSEDA. 

    “We also need more officials for the MSEDA schooling shows. Besides being educational, the officials program allows us to help newcomers to the sport learn the rules at the schooling shows so they might not find themselves overwhelmed at the recognized events,” she notes.

    In what she will use the $1,500 grant money for, Shelley says that she “has spent the past 18 months apprenticing to become an USEF ‘r’ TD. The experience I gained by being a MSEDA TD fueled my interest in going to the next level,” Shelley says. “Most certainly, working the schooling shows provided me with opportunities to learn about conflict resolution, using the rule book to interpret and answer questions, and [how to] provide a fair and safe playing field for horses and competitors.

    Shelley would like to offer that she would be more than happy to help anyone thinking of hosting a schooling show, wishing to sanction with MSEDA or becoming a MSEDA TD. You can email her at shelleywryan@gmail.com for more information on how she can assist you.

    “I wish to thank the MSEDA Board and all the officials I have mentored with for facilitating this opportunity to give back to our Eventing and Dressage community,” says Shelley.

  • 01/02/2018 10:00 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E. Coleman

    New Year’s resolutions generally fall into general categories: those that help us feel better (eat better/work out more/meet new people), those that make us a better person to others (volunteer more/spend more time with friends/let go of stress) or those that fulfill person goals (travel more/ don’t spend as much time on social media/read more).

    The good news is, life with the horses can help us in almost every aspect of our lives, from being more active (ride more!) to expanding our social circle to reading more. Horse showing and even lessoning or trail riding exposes us to many people we wouldn’t normally get a chance to meet and engage with; reading books and blogs on everything from equine ailments to training and conditioning expands our base of equine knowledge and keeps us constantly learning.

    What were some of your resolutions this year? No matter the area of the country or the discipline, many of the equestrian community’s goals remain the same:

    To not grimace and make my horrible “concentrations face,” as I really am having fun! –Dr. Jill Stowe, Nicholasville, KY, dressage

    Literally to just ride my horse. Simple as that! – Leah Alessandroni, Midway, KY, eventing

    Megan Hephner

    Listen to what my trainer says! – Meghan Hephner, Fort Worth, TX, reining

    Try not to pull on my left rein. – Lexi Pejnovic, Panama City, FL, hunters

    Chelsea Smith

    Schedule horse time every day. All through 2017 I pushed my horses to the back burner so I could work more. I need more horse time. – Chelsea Smith, Paris, KY, eventing

    To have fun with all my students! -- Heather James, Lexington, KY, eventing

    To compete more than just schooling shows – Ashley Jamison, Lexington, KY, eventing

    Remember how far we’ve come instead of worrying about how far I think we have to go – Natalie Nevills, Georgetown, KY, eventing

    Be braver (I have literally no idea how to do this, but it’s my goal!) -- Leslie Potter, Lexington, KY, eventing

    Get back into work after time off due to an injury (him) and busy semester (me); prove the long-ear sceptics wong; keep riding fun and training versatile. – Holly Jeanne, Iowa, Dressage

    Outside rein! – Jenni Gelatt, MA, hunter

    Enjoy the ride and just spending time with the horse. If we improve along the way, that’s just gravy. – Holly Caccamise, CA, eventer

    Get my confidence back up and jump a nice, solid 2’6” course. – Chelsea Magee, Lexington, KY, jumper

    Lauren Pontoppidan

    Do more work without stirrups to improve my leg and improve my automatic release. – Lauren Pontoppidan, New Orleans, LA, hunter

    Sarah Coleman

    Ride more. Worry less. – Sarah Coleman, Lexington, KY, hunter

  • 12/18/2017 10:35 AM | Deleted user

    By Sarah E. Coleman

    The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association’s Annual Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Lexington Hilton Downtown.

    MSEDA members, friends and family members were able to dance to local Lexington favorite The Fever, eat a fantastic meal and mingle outside the usual confines of a horse show or event.

    It was a wonderful venue to celebrate all the hard work that went into a terrific 2017 competition year! MSEDA would like to recognize the following winners:

    Volunteer Julep Cups

    Given to recognize the effort of outstanding volunteers.  The cups are awarded to the 12 individuals with the most volunteer hours worked at MSEDA sanctioned shows. We had two ties this year for hours!

    Daphne Mervin

    84 hours (tie)

    Marjorie Hines

    84 hours (tie)

    Bev Henson

    84 hours (tie)

    Mary Ann Andres

    88 hours

    Cheryl Steele

    89 hours

    Megan Carr

    90 hours

    Carol Lee

    105 hours (tie)

    Marian Zeitlin

    105 hours (tie)

    Spencer Millard

    118 hours

    Shelley Ryan

    122 hours

    Vicki Baumgardner

    122.5 hours

    Ron McGinley

    133.5 hours

    Mary Fike

    143.5 hours

    Debbie Hinkle

    155 hours

    Kob Ryen Memorial Trophy Winner: Mandy Weissmann
    Named for Kob Ryen, who brought eventing to the Bluegrass and was a founding member and first President of MSEDA. Voted on at the Annual Meeting by the general membership and awarded to the individual who has done the most to further the purpose of MSEDA during the year.

    FEI Certificate of Achievement: Julie Congleton and Madison Deaton Awarded to any rider who has achieved a minimum score of 57% at the FEI Level at a USEF/USDF recognized competition. 

    Dressage Show of the Year: MSEDA Dressage at the Park
    This award is given to the Dressage Show that was best run, and most desirable to attend in 2017.

    Outstanding Horse Trial or Event: Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge
    This award is given to the Horse Trial or Event that was best run, and most desirable to attend in 2017.

    DRESSAGE YEAR-END AWARDS

    Dressage High Point Junior Rider: Blake Park
    This award is awarded to the rider under 18 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

    Dressage High Point Young Rider: Madison Deaton
    This award is awarded to the rider 18-21 who has amassed the highest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

    Dressage High Point Senior Rider: Joan Gariboldi
    This award is awarded to the rider between 22-49 who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

    Dressage High Point Master Rider: Susan Harris  
    This award is awarded to the rider 50 and over who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

    Dressage High Point Adult Amateur Rider(s): Tracy Scott and Amelia Jean Foster
    This award is awarded to the amateur rider over 21 who has submitted a copy of his/her USEF amateur card to the Points Chair and amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

    The Spy Games Memorial Trophy:  Dressage High Point Award: Joan Gariboldi and Bravo
    This award goes to the horse AND rider who have amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.  The perpetual trophy was donated in 2009 by Julie Moses in memory of her horse "Spy Games" whose strength, kindness and perseverance touched all who knew him. 

    The Tundra Memorial Trophy:  Dressage High Point Mare:  Joan Gariboldi and Cantata
    This award is awarded in memory of Susan Posner’s mare Tundra. Awarded to the activated mare who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year. 

    Dressage Company's Musical Kur Award: Alison Otter and Sing a Song LC
    This award is given to the activated horse and rider who have amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

    YEAR END AWARDS: EVENTING

    The Craig Bryant Memorial Trophy - Eventing High Point Junior Rider: Gracie Elliott
    Named for the son of Don and Martha Bryant, organizers of the Mumford Horse Trials, and awarded to the rider under the age of 18 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

    Eventing High Point Young Rider: Anne Czerwonka
    This award is given to the rider between 18-21 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

    The Bennett Trophy - Eventing High Point Senior Rider: Megan Moore Named for the son of Joy Bennett, Joy has long been associated with the Covered Bridge Pony Club in Louisville.  This trophy is awarded to the rider between 22 and 49 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

    The Helmut Graetz Trophy - Eventing High Point Master Rider: Anna Kjellstrom
    Named for Helmut Graetz, long-time MSEDA member, coach and volunteer. This trophy is awarded to the rider age 50 and over who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

    Midnight Sam Memorial Trophy - Eventing High Point Award: Mooney McGuire
    Named in memory of Irene Roechel's horse, Midnight Sam, this trophy is awarded to the activated horse who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.  Irene was a founding member of MSEDA.

    The Pony Club Award: Winner: Madison Deaton, H-B HM, C-2 Traditional, C-3 Dressage member of Covered Bridge Pony Club in the Midsouth Region
    Given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of a recognized Pony Club. 

    The Tessie’s Brite Star Trophy and Eventing High Point Adult Amateur Award: Kelly Rover
    This award is given to the rider over age 21 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in eventing during the competition year.

    The Philosopher Trophy - Eventing High Point Mare: Carlie McClearin
    Named in memory of Bryn Wilborn's eventing mare, Philosopher, this trophy is awarded to the activated mare who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

    The Grasshopper Trophy - High Point MSEDA Off the Track Thoroughbred: Promisethemoon
    Named in honor of Megan Moore’s Off the Track Thoroughbred, The Grasshopper, this trophy is awarded to the high point Thoroughbred in the Eventing Division.  The horse must be tattooed or have a TIP number and be nominated for eligibility.

    Hall of Distinction Awards: Julie Congleton with Utopia; Madison Deaton with Rasputin in Dressage; Megan Lynn with The Natural E in Eventing
    Awarded to any MSEDA member in good standing who has completed an FEI competition. 

  • 12/18/2017 10:30 AM | Deleted user

    MSEDA offers multiple grants to its members to apply toward continuing their equestrian education. Winners for 2017 included:

    • The Christine Brown Grant: Shelley Ryan
    • Educational grant: Courtney Calnan and Samantha Kline

    MSEDA will feature each of these winners in upcoming e-news. 

    By Sarah E. Coleman


    Featured Grant Winner: Samantha Kline, $500 MSEDA Educational Grant 


    Samantha Kline is a MSEDA member who competes her two off-the-track Thoroughbreds, Praetorian (“Prae”) and Venture World (“V”) in MSEDA-sanctioned events. V is preparing to go Training Level this season and Prae has shown Training in the past, but is looking to make a switch to the hunter ring.

    Sam plans to use the grant to “help with Dressage lesson costs with V,” she explains. “It’s not always easy to stay on a regular lesson schedule due to budgeting, so I’m excited to get a nice push to get us to the next level.”

    Sam rides with Dani Ritter, and says that V is moving along very well for only having a year back in work from what was thought to be a career ending-diagnosis of stringhalt. “We’re working on being consistent in the bridle and on the bit, also moving off of the leg so we can put out a solid Training-level ride,” she says.

    On using the generous MSEDA grant money to reach her goals, Sam explains: “My entire life, I have grown up breaking babies or riding young horses that I never owned. When they got to a certain point, they would move along and I would have to start all over. While Prae has told me that Dressage isn’t his thing, … V has shown the potential to go much higher. Being able to have a nice stretch of consistent lessons with my trainer will really help us get to the next level and on our way to earning our Bronze Medal,” she says. “It’s only a 20-some-year goal in the making, give or take when I figured out I really liked Dressage!”  

  • 12/14/2017 8:06 AM | Deleted user
    For Immediate Release
    Contact:
    Mary Fike
    MSEDA Organizer
    hmf@iglou.com
    859 621 2479

    December 10, 2017 – Lexington, KY – The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association (MSEDA) hosted eventing great David O’Connor as part of their year-end awards banquet and educational forum on December 2 and 3, 2017. An international rider and coach, O’Connor’s overarching theme through both the classroom and demonstration settings was that all training, whether dressage, showjumping or cross-country, should be done with the horse’s perspective in mind.

    Beginning at the Lexington Hilton Downtown, O’Connor offered insight into the sport of eventing and its evolution, as well as explaining his thoughts on where the discipline is now and where it is poised to go. Saturday’s afternoon session walked attendees through the general theory behind how he develops horses and riders, and the basic skills he feels are essential for eventing success.

    Photo by Smith Equine Media, LLC

    Lexington-based MSEDA member Kristen Brennan attended the educational sessions on Saturday and was thankful to hear O’Connor emphasize the importance of the “lower level” rider in eventing. “I really appreciate that,” she explained. “At the end of the day, the working amateurs and juniors, and parents of juniors, who are riding at Prelim and below are who are supporting the majority of our events. Just because you don’t have Olympic aspirations doesn’t mean you aren’t important to the sport.”

    Sunday brought seminar attendees to the beautiful Valley View Farm in Midway, Ky. Riders in Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary rode under David’s watchful eye as he kept the audience engaged and learning throughout the day.

    Chelsea Smith of Paris, Ky., appreciated that David focused on the greener horses and how to get them going properly in the Beginner Novice group. “The Training group had more-experienced riders and he focused more on the horses, which was neat. So often clinic focus solely on the rider, so it was great to focus on the horse and discuss what makes a horse better-suited for the job,” she explained.


    Photo by Smith Equine Media, LLC

    Chelsea’s favorite takeaways from Sunday included that “O’Connor stated several times that riders need to work more in forward seat—even in dressage. With each group, he commented on rider position and he wanted to be sure that the rider’s shoulders are parallel to the horse’s shoulders and that the rider’s hips are parallel to the horse’s hips--it’s the rider’s job is to become part of the horse’s motion.”

    MSEDA is thankful for the ongoing support of O’Connor, who focuses on bettering both horse and rider athletes through safe, systematic training.

    Learn more about MSEDA, how to become a member, upcoming shows and events and more at mseda.org

    ####

    The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association promotes and preserves the sports of eventing and dressage in the Mid-South area by providing leadership and education to its members and to the community at large. To further these goals, MSEDA will provide educational opportunities, host and sanction fair and safe competitions, promote the welfare of the horse and rider, and reward the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the FEI level. Mseda.org

  • 12/01/2017 12:17 PM | Deleted user

    By Kristen M Brennan, PhD, Alltech Inc.

    Whether it is human or equine, nutrition can be confusing. Many horse owners never really think about nutrition past “my horse gets a scoop” and if their horse is fat or thin. But you do not have to have a PhD to understand the basics of nutrition. In this series, I aim to demystify equine nutrition for horse owners.


    Dr. Kristen Brennan and Marcus


    The Equine Gastrointestinal Tract

    Before we can cover how to understand nutrition to properly feed your horse, we need to review the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract anatomy of the horse. The digestive anatomy of horse dictates how we should feed them and why their ideal diets are so different from our own. Horses are true herbivores, meaning they consume plant fibers to meet their daily energy requirements.  They are what are considered a hind gut fermenter, meaning they have the capability in their lower gastrointestinal tract to break down tough fibers found in plants to get the nutrients they need.

    Digestion begins in the horse’s mouth. Horses chew, or masticate, and feed is mixed with saliva forming soft boluses. Saliva acts as a buffer for the acidic environment of the stomach and contains small amounts of enzymes that aid in the breakdown of feed. From the mouth, feed travels down the esophagus into the stomach. Because horses lack a two-way valve between the stomach and the esophagus, they have little reflux ability making their digestive tract a one-way street at this point. As horses had evolved to graze continuously eating small amounts throughout the day, the total volume of the stomach is small (about 10% of the total digestive tract) and feed only remains in it for a short period of time. While in the stomach, feed mixes with acid and pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller pieces, to start the digestion process.

    From the stomach, feed passes to the small intestine where most of the nutrients in the feed are digested and absorbed.  Through the help of digestive enzymes, proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats are broken down into smaller lipid molecules, and sugars and starches are broken down to glucose. After breakdown occurs, these products (along with most minerals and vitamins) are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the blood stream to be used by the cells of the body.

    The remaining digesta moves to the cecum. The cecum serves as a large fermentation chamber, allowing the horse to breakdown plant fibers with the help of bacteria and other microbes that populate the cecum. The microbes take plant fibers and synthesize nutrients such as vitamins and fatty acids which are then absorbed through the cecal wall. After the cecum, feed continues microbial digestion in the large colon. Here water, fatty acid products from the microbial digestion, and some minerals are absorbed.  The remaining digesta, containing what can’t be digested or absorbed by the horse, passes to the small colon and rectum where water is absorbed and fecal matter is formed.

    What is a Nutrient?

    The next question you may ask is what is a nutrient? Simply defined, a nutrient is a component in food or feed that is necessary to support life. We can break nutrients down into two major classifications: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those that are required in higher levels in the diet and for horses, these include water, protein, and energy sources (carbohydrates and fats). Micronutrients are those that are required in small, or even trace, amounts such as vitamins and minerals.

    In the next part of this series, we will cover what each of these nutrients are, why they are necessary and what feedstuffs are sources for each.

  • 11/29/2017 8:51 AM | Deleted user

    It’s finally here! The MSEDA Annual Meeting and Banquet has arrived! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet for the banquet or the demonstration this weekend, fear not! There’s still time.

    By Sarah E. Coleman

    A Kickoff to a Fun-filled Weekend

    This educational and fun-filled weekend will begin with the MSEDA business meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Lexington Hilton Downtown; this meeting is open to all MSEDA members. Next up is real talk on the state of eventing by legendary international event rider David O’Connor. After lunch, David will return and speak on the systematic training of the event horse and rider. His insight and knowledge on the sport of eventing is beyond measure; we hope you make it out to listen to this icon in person!

    Rounding out the evening will be a fantastic dinner, silent auction and awards banquet, with music provided by local (fantastic!) band The Fever. After watching and awesome photo slide show and recognizing those of you who work and play so very hard, we expect everyone to strap on their dancing shoes and really let loose!


    It’s important to recognize the people and entities that have made this fun-filled weekend possible. They include:

    • Awards Program Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
    • Drinks and Dancing Sponsor: Excel Equine
    • Gold Medal Sponsor: Original Depler
    • Silver Medal Sponsor: Indian Hill Equestrian Club
    •  Bronze Medal Sponsor: Holmestead Stables and Dr. Bryan Fraley
    Additional Sponsors:
    • Kevin Donahoe Horseshoeing
    • Lebanon Equine Clinic
    • Foxwood Equine Sports Medicine
    • Northrop Equine Veterinary Care
    • Dr. Nancy Adams
    • Stacey Monroe Horse Massage
    • Bannon Woods Equine Hospital
    • Robert Spencer Equine Podiatry Services

    Sunday Funday

    The education and fun continue on Sunday, as MSEDA members are welcomed to the beautiful Valley View Farm in Midway, Ky., for a demonstration of riders and horses with David O’Connor. With sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., David will cover required skill sets at all levels of competition. 

    Come Play

    This entire weekend is dedicated to celebrating YOU, the MSEDA members who make all of this not only possible, but deeply fulfilling. This weekend we celebrate not only your accomplishments and goals as riders, but your deep knowledge of and respect for our disciplines, the horses, and each other. Here’s to a wonderful weekend!

    Click here for more information.

  • 11/13/2017 6:25 AM | Deleted user

    Winters can be long and ugly, especially if you have limited riding space (no ring) or limited time—and no lights. It’s also quite easy to get disenchanted when you take a look at the long-term weather forecast and see that you MAY get to ride once this week and then …. Well, the weather doesn’t really go that far into the future to know when you can ride again.

    By Sarah E. Coleman



    If your horse is spending more time in his stall this time of year (or even if he lives out and his riding hours are limited), it can be worthwhile to offer him some things to do to while the weather outside is frightful. Recent studies have shown that enriching your horse’s environment can lead to many positives, among them the reduction in stereotypies like cribbing and weaving, but also allowing them an outlet for their energy.

    These studies have also shown that horses who have enriched stall environments also are less fearful of new objects and people and the same horses express less defensive behavior. 


    Suggestions for Enrichment

    Items used to enrich your horse’s environment need not be huge expenditures in money or in time creating them. Some options include:

    Stall use:

    • A shatterproof mirror
    • Lick-It
    • Music on low

    For stall or paddock use:

    • Jolly Balls
    • Apples placed in water buckets (will also encourage drinking)
    • Large, plastic cones
    • Soccer balls
    • Feed pans
    • Clean, empty milk jugs with rocks in them, tied to fence or stall (be aware that these can shatter in very cold temperatures)
    • Slow feed hay nets (used appropriately)
    • Toys the horses roll to get the treats inside

    For paddock use only:

    • Large sections of culvert (some horses LOVE to drag these around)
    • Plastic barrels
    • Tires

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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