Having a coach is essential for success in eventing competitions, providing guidance on safety, horse welfare, and competition phases. However, the USEF Rules for Eventing strictly prohibit “unauthorized assistance” during these phases, which can lead to elimination. Unauthorized assistance is defined as any intervention by a third party, whether solicited or not, aimed at helping the athlete or horse, and applies to coaches, friends, family, and even strangers.
The rules vary across the three competition phases. In the dressage phase, the Ground Jury has the discretion to eliminate a horse and rider combination for unauthorized assistance. The Cross-Country phase outlines specific prohibitions, such as joining another athlete on the course, receiving signals from spectators, or tampering with obstacles. Any unauthorized assistance noted by appointed personnel can also result in penalties decided by the Ground Jury.
In the Show Jumping phase, unauthorized assistance is similarly defined and can lead to elimination. While some forms of assistance, like handing over headgear or spectacles, are allowed, any help that aids the mounted athlete during the round is penalized. Athletes must be cautious, as warnings about course deviations also fall under unauthorized assistance, subject to penalties at the discretion of the Ground Jury.
