New Rider Representative Initiative

The Area I Council has developed an initiative to foster the safety of our sport, increase communication between competitors and event organizers/officials and support the learning curve of our less experienced riders. This concept is a result of discussions the council has had regarding the need for competitors at the preliminary level and below to have easy, onsite access to and advice from experienced event riders and trainers and in order to constructively manage competitor questions and concerns.

This program will mirror that of the rider representative rule currently in place for the upper levels of eventing at all USEA sanctioned events (See Eventing Rule EV 118). However, this is a voluntary program that organizer’s are encouraged to utilize this season.

The concept is for two rider representatives to be selected at each event offering divisions of preliminary and below. The names of the two rider reps will be posted at the scoreboard and at the secretary’s office.

The Role of the Rider Representatives:

1. To listen to rider concerns and answer questions.

2. To voice reasonable concerns and suggested modifications to event management and the ground jury.

3. The rider rep will carry no official decision making capacity and will in no way circumvent the existing rules for lodging protests, charges or grievances.

The Council believes this is a critical first step toward safer riding, minimizing the number of rider issues that organizers are faced with at their events and responding to the educational needs of our Area I constituents. If you have questions or comments on the program, please contact Katherine Cooper, Assistant Area Chairman, asst-chairman@area1usea.org Here’s to a great 2008 eventing season in Area I!