US Equestrian offices will be closed on Friday, March 29th, 2024 in observance of Good Friday.
  • Share:

Updated Statement on Confusion Over Winner's Prize at The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* Eventing National Championship

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Dec 15, 2017, 3:49 PM

Updated 12.15.17 - US Equestrian (USEF) stands in support of The Dutta Corp. as a long-time sponsor of equestrian sport.  The Dutta Corp.’s support of not only US Equestrian and the U.S. athletes and teams should not go unrecognized or be met with negativity in any form.

The communication surrounding how the free flight to the winning combination of The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* Eventing National Championship was awarded, both before and after the event, was not sufficient. Because this is a U.S. National Championship and USEF Property, US Equestrian apologizes for this miscommunication.

Additionally, US Equestrian would like to further clarify that because The Dutta Corp. flight is a prize that is given to the winner of the U.S. National Championship within the CCI3* competition at Fair Hill, only a U.S. rider is eligible to win the award. US Equestrian believes it is important to support and develop U.S. riders for international competition. For this reason, this specific award was developed and designated for a U.S. rider at this international competition. US Equestrian understands that the terms and criteria for all USEF National Championship awards need to be clearly and effectively communicated. Overall, US Equestrian has made awareness of the national championships, and their awards, a priority.

Furthermore, prize money standards for international competitions are set by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The FEI prize money allocation can be found within the FEI rules here.

US Equestrian and The Dutta Corp. wish to extend their congratulations to Selena O’Hanlon and Foxhood High on their win at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event and acknowledge their win as a huge accomplishment as the first Canadian to do so. It is our understanding that the event announcer did make a mistake when also announcing them as the recipient of the free flight from The Dutta Corp. We apologize for the confusion and it was our understanding that this miscommunication was going to be followed up on onsite immediately.

The flight in question is part of the contractual sponsorship agreement between The Dutta. Corp and USEF for the naming rights to the Federation’s CCI3* Eventing National Championship, as well as the air travel and waiver of fees for one horse to Europe. The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* Eventing National Championship is held within the CCI3* competition at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event and awards the flight to the U.S. combination that wins the USEF CCI3* Eventing National Championship. Will Coleman was declared this winner, as well as the recipient of the flight in a post-event press release issued by USEF: https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/coleman-smith-earn-2017-dutta-corpusef