USEF to Field and Support U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Team Competing in World Cup

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that beginning in 2011, it will assume responsibility for fielding and supporting the U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Team for the Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup. The USEF will also assist in hosting the competition when held in the United States.

"This is what USEF does," said Federation President David O'Connor. "It just makes sense for us to be involved with this."

The bi-annual competition originated in the early 1980s with an informal exchange of Saddle Seat riders in the United States and South Africa and was named the Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup in 1992. Originally a three-gaited Saddle Seat Equitation showcase, it has expanded to include a five-gaited component as well. Teams from as many as five nations now compete for the coveted World Cup titles.

The Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup competition is represented by the International Saddle Seat Equitation Association (ISSEA), comprised of members from the nations participating in the World Cup. The competition rules are included in the USEF Rule Book.

USEF staff will be working with the U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup Committee, made up of representatives from different breed groups, to assist with the administration of the program including review/revision of any selection criteria previously used, sponsorship and support, as well as other aspects of the program.The USEF will be reaching out to the Recognized Breed Affiliate groups for assistance in promoting the U.S. Team efforts and to encourage participation from multiple breed groups.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at lnelson@usef.org.