USEA Podcast

2016 Rio Olympic Preview: Picking the Team with David O'Connor and Joanie Morris

This week on the Podcast, Chef d'Equipe David O'Connor and USEF Managing Director of Eventing Joanie Morris join us to talk about the process of Olympic team selection including who picks the team and what factors are most influential. The 2016 Olympic Eventing Team was selected last week and consists of Phillip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer, Boyd Martin and Clark Montgomery. 

2016 Rio Olympic Preview: USEF Director of Sport Programs Will Connell and Technical Delegate Alec Lochore

This week we continue to preview this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero. Alec Lochore joins us first. He was the Manager of Equestrian Events  at the 2012 London Olympics, and will be the Technical Delegate for the 2016 Games. Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport Programs, also joins us to give us the details on planning and executing successful transport of the teams for this major competition. 

2016 Rio Olympic Preview: Cross-Country Course Designer Pierre Michelet and Builders Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewaert

In this special podcast, we begin our previews of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Cross-Country Course Designer Pierre Michelet joins us to give a few sneak previews of what we can expect from the Summer Games. Michelet is a world-renown course designer having done such events as the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, and the CCI4* at Pau .

We also welcome Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewaert, who are two of the course builders for the Olympic Games to give us some insight on many of the pieces being put together for this special event. 

A Look Into USEA Safety Efforts with Carol Kozlowski, Jonathan Holling and Dr. Suzanne Smith

This week on the podcast, we focus on the safety protocols and procedures within the USEA. Safety Commitee Chair Carol Kozloski and Cross-Country Fence Construction/Course Design Safety Task Force Chair Jonathan Holling join us to clarify the role of these safety bodies within our Association, as well as to discuss their role in sport safety. We also welcome Dr. Suzanne Smith of the University of Kentucky on the podcast to explain her plan of research for the USEA Collapsible Fence Study. 

You can donate to the collapsible fence study through the USEA Foundation at www.useafoundation.org 

2016 USEA Intercollegiate Champions, The University of Georgia

The University of Georgia won the Intercollegiate Championship last weekend at the Virginia Horse Trials. The winning team, consisting of Devon Olivier, Emily Cox, Kaitlyn Ruff and Emily Cardin, joins us on the show to introduce their horses, and reflect on their accomplishments. 

Future Event Horse Free Jumping Clinic at Dragonfire Farm

This week on the Podcast, we discuss the Future Event Horse (FEH) west coast free jumping clinic which took place last weekend at Dragonfire Farm. Clinician and young horse expert Robin Walker joins us along with Dragonfire Farm owner Jen McFall to give us a glimpse into the mechanics of free jumping young horses. 

Remembering Philippa Humphreys

United States Eventing Association (USEA) CEO Rob Burk and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Managing Director of Eventing Joanie Morris speak on the tragic death of British rider Philippa Humphreys. Philippa, 33, of Rockford, Mich. and her own 13-year-old KWPN/Thoroughbred gelding, Rich N Famous, had a fall while competing in the CCI*** cross-country at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event on Saturday, May 14, 2016.

Philippa’s long-time student Liz Lund also joins us on the show and shares many special memories of Philippa, an amazing horsewoman, trainer, mother and friend.

The USEA will continue to push forward with our Collapsible Fence Study in efforts to continue to make eventing safer. You can find more information here, and you can donate here.

A fundraising page has been set up by Joanie Morris in honor of Philippa Humphreys to benefit the future college education of her daughter Millie.

USEA Intercollegiate Championship Preview

Andy Bowles joins us today on the podcast along with USEA CEO Rob Burk to preview the upcoming Inaugural USEA Intercollegiate Championship, which will take place at the Virginia Horse Trials May 26-29, 2016. The Virginia Horse Center boasts hundreds of stalls, both indoor and outdoor arenas and two cross-country courses. Intercollegiate teams can look forward to exciting prizes, a first-class venue and much more! Listen to hear more. 

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Recap

This week on the Podcast we recap the biggest event in the United States, which took place last week, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. USEA CEO Rob Burk reflects on the event as well as Second place finisher and USEF CCI4* Champion Lauren Kieffer and third place finisher Maya Black. And finally, Chairman of Selectors for the USEF, Bobby Costello, who will play a major role in determining who will represent the U.S. this summer at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, joins us with his thoughts on this very important selection trial. 

Volunteer Philanthropy with Donald Trotter

This week on the podcast, we discuss the backbone of our sport: Volunteers. Donald Trotter, a dedicated volunteer for many years, joins us to share his many experiences.