2025 AEC PROGRAM
56
HISTORY OF THE USEA
The United States Eventing Association, a 501
(c) (3) non-profit educational organization, was
founded as the United States Combined Training
Association (USCTA) in September 1959, the
vision of Alexander Mackay-Smith, who felt that in
addition to the American Horse Show Association
and United States Equestrian Team (now merged
as the United States Equestrian Federation), a
third organization was needed to promote the
fledgling sport of combined training (now known
as eventing) in the United States. Initially the
Association's roster included just two dozen names, including Mackay-Smith and
other notables such as Jack Fritz, Philip Hoffman, Roger Maher, and Lana Wright
(née DuPont). Today it boasts almost 13,000 members. Each year more than
38,000 starters run at over 220 USEA recognized competitions throughout the
country.
The mission of the USCTA in 1959 and of the USEA in present day remains
much the same – to make eventing safe, fun, and fair to all who join the USEA
ranks, while at the same time promoting this incredible sport to the public. As a
service organization, the USEA is dedicated to advancing the sport by educating
riders, trainers, organizers, officials, the media, volunteers, owners, and breeders
with the health and well-being of the horse of paramount importance. By
assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining
responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics,
the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-
expanding field of eventers, from Starter to Olympic level.
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