06/22/2026
Each of our USEA members has something to share and we are excited to showcase those thoughts, opinions, and celebrations in our new Voices of the USEA series. ❤️ This week's feature, Vivan Hall is a trainer at Over the Moon Equestrian in Moorpark, California!
"I could name a thousand reasons why I love eventing: the horses, the socializing, and the chance to be in a completely different world than most of the other people I know. However, the thing I love most about eventing is that it gives me, and anyone who participates in the sport, the opportunity to work on our listening/communication, our ability to sort out cloudy thinking and what’s actually happening, and my favorite quality: bravery.
I run a small riding school, and whenever any of us are heading into the show ring or start box, we always wish each other luck by saying:, ‘Show off that friendship!’ In my opinion, in all great friendships, communication is key. Being able to listen and feel what’s happening under you, while remembering where you are suppose to do what, all the lessons and moments that were worked through during the hours of lessons you’ve invested into you and your horse, and then being able to communicate that to your horse.
Being able to communicate well typically comes best from a quiet mind. For me eventing, really gives me the opportunity to practice rounding up my cloudy thinking that tells me that I won’t remember the test or course, or that I won’t make it past that ditch in the second half of my cross-country course, or that makes me jokingly ask really loudly, ‘Who put that house to corner combo on a Novice course?’ and how we better ride well to it! It gives me the opportunity to trust the time and effort I have put in, and most of all to trust myself.
For me, cross-country is why I love the weekend. I also find it to be one of the scariest parts of the weekend. At times in the start box, I give myself a pep-talk. I crack some jokes, thank the people working the start box, or chat with my horse to stay present. Then I head out and get the opportunity to have my bravery show up for me.
Going around with my partner, who’s also invested hours in me, while working on our communication, being present together, and bravely soaring over the ditch that I was so grateful I didn’t dwell on. Galloping through the finish flags and to the moments after bravery is a feeling that is hard to describe, but its one of the best places to be.
Eventing, really gives us all an opportunity to work on ourselves in this way at all levels, at all ages, with all horses. I'm so grateful it found me."
If you have a short blurb or perspective to share, please fill out this submission form for consideration: https://www.cognitoforms.com/USEA2/VoicesOfTheUSEA
