United States Eventing Association

When the MARS Maryland 5 Star announced that in 2024, it would be introducing sports betting to the sport of eventing in the United States, the idea was met with mixed emotions. But Jeff Newman, President and CEO of the event, believes that the addition of sports betting at the upper levels of the sport can make a huge difference.

Are you a member of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program or USEA Interscholastic Eventing League? Considering joining one of these exciting programs in 2025? Then you won't want to miss these important recaps and updates presented during the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which was held Dec. 12-14 in Seattle, Washington.

USEA CEO Rob Burk sits down with Podcast Host Nicole Brown to talk about some of the key moments from this year's USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which was held Dec. 12-15 in Seattle, Washington, including keynote speaker Tik Maynard's presentation, rule changes, accessibility and inclusivity, and more!

In addition to educational seminars, open forums, awards ceremonies, and committee meetings, the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is host to the Annual Meeting of Members each year where members can receive important updates on the Association and play a vital role in its future.

Another fantastic week at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention has come to a close in Seattle, Washington! Several days of celebration and education, highlighted by the year-end awards luncheon and the Annual Meeting of Members with special keynote address from Tik Maynard, were bookended by two important governance meetings of the USEA's Board. This event would not have been possible without the support of the many loyal partners of the USEA and the Convention.

The USEA Board of Governors met twice during the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, once on Wednesday afternoon and once on Sunday morning. We’ve recapped some of the biggest discussion points for you below.

When her daughter, Meg Pellegrini, showed a very early interest in horses, Molly Pellegrini took a deep dive into a world she knew nothing about: the world of equestrian sports.

When Advanced level eventer Tik Maynard first watched the Road to the Horse in 2012, he was immediately drawn in by the concept of the three-day competition. Each year, four invited trainers work with a previously unhandled 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in 1.5-hour sessions with the ultimate goal of being able to bond with, saddle train, and complete an obstacle course on said horse by the end of the competition.

With longtime Rule Change Open Forum moderator Malcolm Hook unable to attend this year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Alison Lloyd with the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) took over the forum on Saturday.

As riders, we spend a lot of time focusing on the strengthening and fitness programs of our horses, but as Amy Gibbs, MPT, pointed out on Thursday afternoon at the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, setting aside time to focus on our own balance and strength is imperative, not only in helping us meet our goals as riders but also in ensuring we are riding in a safe and secure manner.