Not sure how many of you use the Area VIII Yahoo site, but this was
posted this afternoon and thought you'd like to see David's comments
and the accident/injury numbers. I did a copy/paste so it isn't in
the neat package of the original document.
Rita

****

Dear USEF Members and Supporters,
Many of you may already know that a story ran in the New York Times on
Wednesday about Eventing. It ran on the front page below the fold.
Here is the link to the online version:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/sports/othersports/09equestrian.html?scp=1&sq=\
equestrian&st=nyt.
The picture on the front page was of a horse falling. The article has
received some serious attention both locally here in Kentucky (it ran
on the front page of our local paper again) and internationally.
David O'Connor's response is copied into this email and I have also
attached a word document. We wanted to ensure that you are all
informed of his position and know some of the most important numbers
in regards to safety in eventing in case a member of the media or
someone outside the sport approaches you about it.
Please feel free pass this information along or to contact me with any
questions.
Sincerely,
Joanie Morris

When asked to make a statement regarding recent articles appearing in
major news publications, USEF President David O'Connor states:
In every sport, the governing body works to educate athletes and
minimize risks in order to make the sport as safe as possible. Over
the years the United States Equestrian Federation has worked
extensively to minimize the possibility of accidents and our
commitment to safety is unwavering. In the United States we have
instituted rigorous procedures for the review of Accident/Injury
reports which recognized competitions are required to file. Any
accident is a tragedy and is thoroughly investigated.
Educational programs and safety initiatives are constantly evolving to
make the sport better and safer, and our focus is to continuously
improve. In the United States in 2007, there were 46,099 starters in
the sport of eventing and 111 accidents - which is .02% - related to
jumping on the cross-country course. Of these accidents 10 were
serious enough to require at least one night's stay in the hospital.
This means that .002% of starts results in a serious injury which is a
reduction from 2006. We strive to reduce these numbers further. We
continue to implement programs focused on qualifications for
advancement in the sport and support increasing the responsibility of
licensed officials required to supervise competition.
Those of us who make our lives with horses understand that these
horses become an extension of ourselves and their wellbeing is our
highest priority. Serious accidents, even deaths, of rider or horse
cause us to reflect on our sport and ensure we are achieving the right
balance of challenge and safety. That is a guiding and constant
commitment of both The United States Equestrian Federation and its
affiliate the United States Eventing Association.
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. 4047 Iron Works Pkwy,
Lexington, KY 40515 859-258-2472