United States Eventing Association

We've got some top-notch speakers coming to this year's USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, held at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas from December 3-7. To whet your appetite, we are previewing some of those speakers over the next several weeks.

Planning for and Handling Horses During Emergencies with Eldon Reyer

Eldon grew up in Longmont, Colorado and attended the University of Northern Colorado. He spent his college summers in Yellowstone National Park as a Fire Guard, Smoke Jumper, Mule Packer and Back Country Horse Patrol Ranger. Eldon retired from the National Park Service in 1989 as Associate Regional Director if the Southwest Region after a 34 year career. He served in ten National Park areas. When he retired, he found time to take up his love of horses and packing as he had when starting his Park Ranger career.

Eldon volunteers with the US Forest Service for trail maintenance and as a packer. He was instrumental in forming the Santa Fe Chapter of Backcountry Horseman of America. He continues to promote the “traditional and historic” use of stock on public lands. He has served on the Happy Trails Horse Coalition, Santa Fe County Open Lands and Trails Planning Board, Northern New Mexico Horseman’s Association, and the New Mexico Recreation Trails Program Advisory Board.

In 2000, as President of the Horseman’s Association, they took in 120 horses that were evacuated from the Las Alamos New Mexico fire. This event prompted Eldon to work with other County, State and equine groups to develop the Santa Fe County Equine Evacuation And Rescue Plan. He promotes early planning for handling horses in emergencies through clinics and as a consultant.

In 2008 the American Horse Council recognized Eldon with the Van Ness Award as Horseman Of The Year. The award recognizes the recipient for their support and promotion of the horse and horse related activities through education and informational programs to benefit all equine interests and promote the welfare of the horse community.

Securing and Maintaining the Rider Sponsor Relationship with Frankie Thieriot

Frankie Thieriot has ridden at the top levels of eventing since her late teens and has completed events such as the Fair Hill CCI3*, Galway Downs CCI3* and Bromont CCI3*. Most recently in 2013, her horse Uphoria was named the 2013 USEA Intermediate Horse of the Year and Thieriot was named the 2013 Co-Adult Amateur of the year. Frankie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Santa Clara University in California with a degree in Communication and has since worked for top industry media outlets. Sports fanatics might recognize some of her work with Nike, the San Jose Sharks, Fox Sports Network, and NASCAR. Her combined expertise in eventing and communications drive her desire to learn and help others learn about the sport of eventing. In 2012 Frankie became the face of US Eventing as the USEA launched US Eventing TV.

One year prior in 2011, Thieriot started her own marketing and public relations firm Athletux, geared towards helping athletes grow their brand so they can focus on their game. Specializing in working with top eventers, Frankie has launched over sixty equestrian websites since starting her business, and works to help riders and equestrian events market themselves, procure and maintain sponsorships, develop social media, and publicize their businesses.

Go here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention and to see a tentative schedule.