Where do I start?
WELCOME TO TEAM AND THE SPORT OF EVENTING!
For more information about TEAM and why you should become a member, please see the About Us page.
For general information about the sport of eventing, check out Discover Eventing from the United States Eventing Association (USEA), the national sanctioning body for eventing in the US. At some point you should also familiarize yourself with the rules of the sport; TEAM and USEA events are conducted under the USEF Rules for Eventing.
New to eventing??
We are here to help, here are a few helpful resources that will get you started on your way to becoming an Eventer.
What will I need?
ASTM CERTIFIED Helmets
Even before you sign up to be a member of TEAM, you should invest in a properly fitted ASTM-certified helmet. Numerous studies have shown that head injuries are the most common serious injury to riders, and that an appropriate helmet can greatly reduce this risk. Helmets are required to be worn at all times when mounted at all USEA and TEAM events, as well as when schooling at the Honey Run Easement.
A helmet must fit properly to do its job. Find out how to pick a helmet that fits correctly here.
If you have any questions about getting the appropriate helmet, please let us know.
Medical Armbands
An up-to-date completed medical armband must be worn in a visible place on the arm above the elbow during Cross Country and Stadium Jumping phases of competition, as well as when schooling at the Honey Run Easement. Armbands are available from most local tack shops and online; as they are easy to misplace, it's wise to purchase a spare. Extra medical information cards are available to download from USEA.
There have been advances in armband technology, and if you would rather wear a medical bracelet, that is now possible to do. To find out more about the medical bracelets, Learn More.
Horse Tack
Your horses tack is equally important, and also has a set of rules and guidelines to follow.
If you are unsure what type of tack you need, check out Discover Eventing's page, that tells you exactly what your horse should wear.
TEAM is here to help, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, and we know it can be, we've all been there, do not worry, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have, even at the horse shows. So feel free to get in touch with us on our site, or at a show.
We won't Bite or Kick you, we promise.
Chest Protectors & Air Vests
A chest protector must be worn during the Cross Country phase of eventing, as well as when schooling at any of the facilities used by TEAM. USEA does not require that chest protectors be certified to any specific standard. Find out how to make sure a chest protector fits correctly here.
Air vests have become popular with many riders. In the event of a fall when the rider is separated from the horse, pressurized air is released into the vest, expanding it. While many riders claim that their air vest has protected them in a fall, there are no independent studies showing that these vests reduce serious injuries. Air vests must be worn in conjunction with a standard chest protector.
Check out Air Vests used by many TEAM Members.
If you have any questions regarding Air Vests or Chest Protectors, please let us know, we are happy to help.
Required Dress
There is proper attire that needs to be worn at Horse Trials.
A brief overview of required dress in competition is available here. Complete rules for required dress can be found in the USEF Rules for Eventing, section EV114.
The Discover Eventing website has a great overview of what you need to wear, Check it Out
Guide to you First Event
So you are ready to experience the sport of Eventing, GREAT!!!
We love to hear and see new faces every year.
It is always exciting to hear that the Amazing sport of Eventing continues to grow and evolve in our great state of Michigan.
To help you our with your First Event, to make sure it goes smoothly, the USEA has put together a very helpful guide,
which we recommend to anyone to help with your first Event.
Check out the Guide to your First Event.
We are always at every show, so please let us know if you have any questions.