US Eventing Training Lists

[Jealoushe]

USEF has announced the training lists for each category; https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-updates-to-training-lists?fbclid=IwAR3gmLzu2CtaDTVrJOqd-boUn9qtO5MnmUuJgAzeHhrmwyvlr_8j_NbVS_E

I saw a post on FB going around that caught my eye, originally posted by Katie Coleman.

"I think it is safe to say that these updated training lists have left more than a few people scratching their heads. I wish not to take anything away from anyone named. Certainly those of us at the top of the sport know all too well how hard it is to get a horse to the level and also keep it there. Congratulations to those that have been recognized for their efforts!

The omissions, however - in my opinion - seem illogical. I understand there may be more to these decisions than pure results but shouldn’t good results count for something? More than one horse on this list have yet to complete a long format event this year and yet a rider that had two horses finish in the top ten at this year’s Kentucky is getting zero recognition for her success?

The lack of funding for these omitted riders - many of whom are making huge efforts to put themselves against the best in the world - ie. overseas - is difficult on owners and programs.

It would be great to get some clarification on the “culture of competitiveness” that these lists are supposedly trying to inspire, especially when it appears as though some of those being the most competitive at the biggest events are being left off of them."

After reading this I looked at the LRK3DE results and she is right, there are some very notable people left off. Thoughts?

[Potato]

I agree, it seems a bit strange as of now. I’m sure the selectors have reasons? But just off the top of my head: no Lauren Keiffer? Sharon White?

Should Doug Payne be classified as Elite (he’s on the Pre-Elite list), after he had a great performance at the Pan-Ams, and was 5th at Kentucky?

[Jealoushe]

And I would think Frankie should be elite after her performance? What about Chris Talley? Will Coleman? Will Faudree?Buck Davidson?

[Potato]

@Jealoushe

And I would think Frankie should be elite after her performance? What about Chris Talley? Will Coleman? Will Faudree?Buck Davidson?

The other thing I am wondering about, the Elite list is geared towards world equestrian games and Olympics. But they only have 2 people named, not even enough people to make a hypothetical team. You’d think at least 4 people would be on the Elite list (or at least I’d think that!!)

[Sticky_Situation]

I don’t understand why Lauren Kieffer was left off. She’s had some quite good results with Vermiculus and while he’s probably not the dressage horse to win individually I think he could be a solid team horse.

[Jealoushe]

@Potato

The other thing I am wondering about, the Elite list is geared towards world equestrian games and Olympics. But they only have 2 people named, not even enough people to make a hypothetical team. You’d think at least 4 people would be on the Elite list (or at least I’d think that!!)

Maybe they forgot to update it after they put the 2 in, since they are probably just permanently in that slot in their prepared notes

I don’t understand about LK either. Vermiculus is amazing, she has great results, and lots of backing?? But I see a few others on the training list that haven’t done much this year. Bizzare.

[kmwines]

Except Lauren has fallen off when she’s been on a team. Her fall at WEG was bad luck but her fall at Rio was stupidity and/or bad coaching. If Bug goes around Burghley well I think he’d have to be a consideration though.

[Sticky_Situation]

@kmwines

Except Lauren has fallen off when she’s been on a team. Her fall at WEG was bad luck but her fall at Rio was stupidity and/or bad coaching. If Bug goes around Burghley well I think he’d have to be a consideration though.

In my mind, David O’Connor gets a lot of the blame for what happened at Rio … knowing that she was new to competing under that sort of pressure, knowing that she needed to complete for the team and being able to see (more clearly than someone who is preparing to take their horse out on course, I would think) just how many issues that combination was causing, he still told her to “go for it” if things were going well … horrible advice on his part, and we all saw the results.

Maybe that should keep her off the “elite” list but I don’t think they should be discounting her altogether.

[Benchmark]

Well, most of the omitted riders who are probably offended are going to Burghley. Do well there and I’m sure you’ll be back on the list.

[Jealoushe]

Maybe if these riders had more help they wouldn’t be falling off? I don’t know, how many times has Buck fallen off yet he was on the list for years and years and years. I think there is definitely somthing deeper here.

What about HSB? She rocked around Rolex, and yes had a suspension but otherwise always competitive.

[vineyridge]

Given their recent track record, I’m baffled by PD and Z are thought to be elite already. IMO, Z is not in that category.

[Texarkana]

@vineyridge

Given their recent track record, I’m baffled by PD and Z are thought to be elite already. IMO, Z is not in that category.

I think PD is probably considered elite by rider performance alone. The horse is likely a secondary consideration. It could be PD on a pony pulled from an auction yesterday and he’d still probably be on the elite list. :lol:

[Benchmark]

@Sticky Situation

I don’t understand why Lauren Kieffer was left off. She’s had some quite good results with Vermiculus and while he’s probably not the dressage horse to win individually I think he could be a solid team horse.

Lauren and Will have both really struggled in big championship competitons. I think they are hands down the most stylish US event riders from an equitation standpoint, but they just haven’t been reliable at all in the past.

Will:
Aachen 2018 - Eliminated XC
Badimton 2018 - Retired XC
WEG 2018- 2 Stops XC

Lauren:
Aachen 2018 - 1 Stop XC
WEG 2018: Eliminated XC
Aachen 2017 - Eliminated XC
Badminton 2017 - Retired XC
Rio 2016- Eliminated XC

I am a little surprised Off the Record didn’t make the cut, but honestly, these two riders have benefited from team resources for a long time and have yet to produce consistent results internationally.