Don’t forget to log on to www.useventing.com tomorrow at 10:00AM Central time to listen in to Lucinda Green’s speech about cross-country safety, which is followed by Capt. Mark Phillips’ talk on the USEF Watch List.
Professional Horseman’s Council
The Professional Horseman’s Council met on Thursday in an open meeting to discuss some of the pressing issues they have been dealing with over the past year. As outgoing Chairman Darren Chiacchia made a final diplomatic statement, the Council passed into a new era under incoming Chairman Jonathan Holling. Unfortunately, Holling’s flight was grounded in Florida due to the uncharacteristic cold and snow that plagued the south during the past few days.
Among the topics discussed at the meeting were ways to improve the Rider Rep program, the next steps to take in the prevention of Dangerous Riding, and the penalties that would be incurred should a frangible pin jump be broken.
The meeting put on hold about half way through until Holling and other members arrived. It will be completed later this weekend.
Impressing the Press
Pam Forrester (an outstanding reporter/media specialist who does the promotion for Red Hills Horse Trials) gave a wonderful presentation on Wednesday afternoon with her partner Joel Silver, her videographer. Forrester gave attendees many important tips on dealing with the media, and gave us instruction on how to conduct a proper interview.
Forrester and Silver gave us so many fabulous things to think about when working with the media, including how to properly answer difficult questions ("Always stay positive, don’t agree with negatives – don’t get sucked into a trap, or back yourself into a corner"), be well-dressed and comfortable ("No short skirts, and make sure your hair is how you’d like it!"), and to always be in control. "Remember, you are in control of the interview – if you haven’t said it, it can’t be used against you!"
(Right: Forrester and Silver conduct a "test interview" with upper-level rider Kristin Bachman to give her valuable experience when dealing with the media. Josh Walker photo)
Sometimes, the media can be manipulative and intimating – but Forrester gave us tips on how to make every opportunity in front of the camera a way to boost our sport and promote yourself, your horses, your sponsors & owners, etc.
More details on this very helpful talk later!
USEF Active Athletes
This was the first meeting of the USEF Active Athletes under new Chairman Amy Tryon and Assistant Chairman Phillip Dutton.
“We need to define what the Active Athletes committee is about,” the speakers said. “And one of the main goals of the program is to define the relationship between high performance athletes and their USEF sponsors.”
The board had three major topics to discuss during the meeting. The first of those was where to take the Developing Riders program. Some very good suggestions and ideas came out of the session, and Dutton reminded everyone that the program is not only for young riders. Riders of all ages can apply for or be spotted by one of the several ‘Talent Spotters’ across the nation for Developing Riders.
Captain Mark Phillips took the stage when the USEF Winter Training Lists were brought up. Phillips gave a brief description of the benefits and lessons the riders will receive, and also reassured the Active Athletes that the list is re-evaluated often in order to assure the correct horse and rider teams are on the list. He also said that the ‘A’ List is made up of horses who will likely go to the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, and the ‘B’ List is made up of horses aiming for the 2012 Olympics in London.
The other major topic discussed was the future of the Training Three-Day Event. It will definitely be sticking around, and after more discussion at a later date, it will be decided whether it will become a recognized event or not.The meeting finished up with another brief discussion about Rider Reps before adjourning.
(Left: Yes, that is SNOW in New Orleans! Unfortunately, the random wintery mix delayed many members at the airports – but they got here eventually! Josh Walker photo.)
Neck, Back, and Pelvis Problems in the Event Horse
World renowned veterinarian Kent Allen gave a very informative presentation about the diagnosis and treatment of neck, back, and pelvis problems in the event horse. Before getting into the bulk of the presentation, he shared one of his favorite quotes with the audience about the importance of getting a good diagnosis before treating an ailment.
“Absent a diagnosis, surgery is trauma, medicine is poison, and alternative therapy is witchcraft.”
Dr. Allen gave a detailed description of how to evaluate a horse that is suspected of having a back problem, showed samples of an ailing back on a radiograph, ultrasound, and nuclear scintography, and introduced the concept of high energy shockwave therapy for treating some back problems. He also brought up the concept of mesotherapy, which he says works best in the company of shockwave therapies.
For more information on Dr. Allen and his innovative therapy techniques, visit www.vaequine.com.
