One of the most discussed issues in horse sport involves the loss of its base, the riders who for generations were introduced to competition at the lower levels, then often rose through the ranks to develop a lifetime interest, a career or represent the country.
There are fewer places these days where people can start riding, a function of rising costs involving land, hay, insurance, workers and so much else you can think of, including volunteer burn-out. That’s basically a sign of the times, and no equestrian organization can do much about those items.
But when it comes to shows, although cost also is a major barrier, there are some answers. The entry fee is far from the only issue for someone who wants to test their skills and their horse’s ability. An “away” show means paying for stalls, hotel rooms, grooms, gasoline and other items that add up to a big bill for a weekend’s venture.
It also has gotten more expensive for competition organizers to put on events as they feel the financial pinch.
One of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s answers is USEF Lite, a lower-cost way to start showing, or even continue competing on a regular basis at a level where a rider feels comfortable. Often, such local-type shows are close to home, which can also mean savings (no hotel room, less travel).
A new Lite initiative will make things less expensive for eventers competing at Training level down to Starter.
USEF CEO Bill Moroney said Lite operates “at a very low set of barriers on the cost of things.”
During a USEF webinar this week, it was announced that eventing is set to become part of the Lite opportunity, starting Dec. 1.
The U.S. Eventing Association will be enabling organizers to offer everything from the Starter level up through Training (the so-called Endorsed levels) in the Lite format, which does not require competitors to be USEF members. Only the coaches and “self-trainers” (including parents acting as trainers for their children), must have an annual “Lite pass,” which costs $15 — but that fee will be covered by USEA.
The lower levels of eventing will become part of the Lite program beginning Dec. 1.
Rob Burk, USEA’s CEO, was enthusiastic about the initiative.
“We’re still in the process of finalizing some of the nitty-gritty details on this. It looks to be like it will be a great fit.
“This change will enable us to offer competitors at these levels access to a licensed competition environment, and all the benefits that come along with that — drug testing, regulatory structure. safety requirements, etc.
“A couple of the things that come along with that, grants to support medical personnel just being one of them,…we think is a really positive thing for our events. We’ve heard from our members…we know that cost is an issue.”
With the Lite format, an event theoretically “could have a dressage judge that’s a learner judge,” which is less expensive than a judge approved at a higher level.
“This way, it could possibly be a little easier for the competition to run a little less cost. And that hopefully will trickle down to the competitors,” Rob pointed out.
“USEA will cover every one of the $15 fees. For that, as a USEF Lite sport trainer…you can go in and become SafeSport-certified. We do feel that for trainers and coaches, it’s in the best interest of the athlete and the best interests of the sport as a whole for people to undergo SafeSport training if they’re going to be in these trainer/coach type positions. I think the (Lite) environment will make a lot of sense.”
