United States Eventing Association

Closing Out A Successful Year for the USEA: Notes from the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting

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.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, USEA President Lou Leslie opened up the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting of Members at The Westin Seattle hotel in Seattle, Washington, with a few meeting formalities before turning over the microphone to USEA VP of Administration of Finance Molly Pellegrini for the Report of the Treasurer.

Pellegrini shared many exciting updates regarding the financial status of the Association:

• Revenue increased 13.3% in comparison to fiscal year 2023
• Starters increased 5.6% in comparison to the 2023 season
• Membership remained steady and consistent
• While the number of USEA recognized events ran in the 2024 season did decrease, starters per event saw a 10.2% uptick

At that time, Hilary Miskoe, of the USEA Foundation, stepped forward to provide relevant updates which included noting that the Foundation was in strong standing and that the 2024 investments and donations made were kind to the Foundation's growth. Then, Miskoe took a moment to thank the outgoing members of the USEA Foundation Board of Trustees: Eric Markel, Roxanne Booth, Vicki Howard-Fine, and Alston Kerr.

USEA CEO Rob Burk continued the meeting with additional updates regarding the Association. First he recognized the great efforts of the USEA staff throughout the 2024 season and also to those staff members celebrating anniversaries this year:

• Jennifer Hardwick | 30 years
• Jason Caldwell | 25 years
• Nancy Knight | 25 years
• Cindy Clingman | 5 years
• Margaret Marcus | 5 years
• Hannah Seagle | 5 years

Some of Burk's highlights from the 2024 season included the success of the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) which saw 4,378 volunteers contribute over 72,000 hours across 171 events this year, as well as the crowning of the program's first Gold Medalist in Susan Hart. He noted that the various USEA Championships which take place across the year continue to grow and that new or elevating officials are also on an uptick of more than 25%.

Following Burk's presentation, there were several awards handed out in celebration of the contribution of key individuals in our sport.

Firstly, the Governor's Cups were awarded to show jumping course designers Marc Donovan and Chris Barnard.

"The USEA Governor's Cups are among the highest honors given by the USEA Board of Governors," stated Leslie. "Presented annually in recognition of volunteers whose services have contributed significantly to the sport, these are meant to highlight the best among us."

Donovan and Barnard continually serve in their official capacity as course designers, as well as giving back in the form of educational opportunities throughout the year.

Additional Governor's Cups were then awarded to Brian Murphy, Anni Grandia-Dodson, and Jonathan Elliot. Murphy was identified as an indispensable fixture in Area X eventing who hasn't missed an Area X event in seven years. His contributions to Area X eventing are undeniable.

Grandia-Dodson was recognized for her nurturing love for not only the sport at all levels, but also for the horses involved. She is a strong educational asset in her area and strives to provide her students with all the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.

After competing through the five-star level, Elliot turned his focus on his training business and organizing events at his home base, Aspen Farms, in Yelm, Washington. He has been largely involved with the USEA for many years and has held countless leadership roles which have overall bettered the sport of eventing.

The attention was then turned to the issuing of the 2024 Andrew H. Popiel trophy.

“In honor of the late Andrew H. Popiel a trophy in his honor was presented to the USEA by the Popiel Family, of the Trojan Horse Horse Trials, to acknowledge the role of the event organizer and their commitment to eventing," shared Leslie. "Each year the USEA Board of Governors have the privilege to select recipients for the highest honor specifically given to U.S. event organizers."

This year's recipient was Jane Cory. In the 1960s, Cory was shortlisted for the U.S. Eventing Team. She owned and operated Pleasant Hollow Farms in Pennsylvania from 1970 until its closure in 2007. It was a hub for dressage and combined training events, hosting numerous competitions annually. Cory founded the Cort Center for Handicapped Riding in 1980, serving as its Executive Director, and was a full-time instructor at Delaware Valley College from 1996 to 2004. Cory was recognized as the recipient of this award as a result of her countless hours dedicated to the sport as an organizer, coach, and judge.

With the final awards of the year handed out, those in attendance turned their attention to recognizing outgoing USEA Area Chairs Rick Dunkerton of Area III and Jill Wagenknecht of Area IV for their service.

Katherine Cooper then took to the podium to announce this year's nominees and reappointments to the USEA Board of Governors. This year there were two new nominees in Allison Devaraux Murphy (Area IX) and Angie Yates, DVM (At Large) for three-year terms. In addition Teresa Harcourt (Area VI), Erin Tomson (Area VII), Sharyn Antico (At Large), Yvonne Ocrant (At Large), and Rusty Lowe (At Large) were reappointed for three year terms. All nominees were approved by majority vote.

The USEA Foundation also saw four new individuals for appointment by the USEA Board of Governors to serve as Trustees of the USEA Foundation: Lorilee Hanson, Edith Rameika, Tamie Smith, and Lisa Thomas.

After a brief recess where the USEA Board stepped out to conduct official votes, the 2025 USEA Executive Committee were named as follows:

• Molly Pelligrini: President Elect / VP Administration and Finance
• Erin Tomson: Secretary
• Rusty Lowe: VP Safety
• Sharyn Antico: VP Competitions
• Brian Murray: Treasurer
• Lauren Nicholson: VP Active Athletes
• Siobhan O’Brien: VP Area Affairs / Strategic Planning
• Jennifer Howlett Rousseau: VP Education

Leslie then recognized two outgoing USEA Board of Governors members, Deeda Randle and Dr. Cynthia Wiseman.

“I am familiar with the countless hours of conference calls, reading and studying, as well as your overall dedication to supporting our sport and this Association. Thank you all so much for your service," she said.

At that time, the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting of Members was adjourned.

About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will take place in Seattle, Washington, on Dec. 12—15. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.

The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, ARMA, Bates Saddles, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Gallops Saddlery, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, Parker Equine Insurance, PulseVet Shock Wave, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartPak, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.