United States Eventing Association

The 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, featuring the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, is quickly approaching and the USEA is proud to unveil the schedule of exciting educational content on deck for our members. From tips for selecting the right equine insurance to conditioning expertise from some of the sport’s greats, the Annual Meeting has a jam-packed schedule of sessions that are sure to broaden your equine knowledge

Click here to view the full event schedule. If you haven’t secured your registration for this year’s Convention, there is still time to sign up! The 2026 Convention Registration form can be accessed here.

A Full registration is $265 per person if purchased during the early bird window or $275 per person on-site. New this year, the All-Inclusive Registration is also available for $450 per person if purchased by December 7. This includes a Full Registration, plus one ticket to the USEA Awards Luncheon and Annual Meeting of Members and one seat at the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame Dinner. All Junior Members 25 years of age or younger can purchase a Full registration for $150 during the early bird window, or $160 on-site, or a Junior All-Inclusive registration for $350 until December 7.

The registration form will also allow you to select several add-on options, like additional tickets for the USEA Awards Luncheon and Annual Meeting of Members, registration for the Show Jumping Course Design session, or seating at the U.S Eventing Hall of Fame Dinner. Don’t forget to get your tickets here!

Keep reading to plan your educational journey through this year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on December 11-13!

Friday, December 11

Small Events, Big Impact: Securing the Future of Local Eventing | Sharyn Antico, Jackie Smith, & Allison Bailey

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. ET in Conference Theater

Smaller, locally operated horse trials have long been the backbone of eventing, providing essential opportunities for competitors and strengthening our sports community. Join industry leaders Sharyn Antico, Jackie Smith, and Allison Bailey for an engaging discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing these important competitions. With the help of the audience, the panelist will explore innovative ideas, successful strategies, and ways the USEA and broader eventing community can help support the growth and prosperity of local events. They will also discuss how everyone can work together to ensure that smaller recognized horse trials continue to thrive for generations to come.

Beyond the Bale: Why Hay Testing is Vital to Equine Nutrition – Presented by Nutrena | Doug Leavitt

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET in Regency F

When it comes to feeding horses, everything starts with forage. Horses are designed to graze throughout the day, so good-quality hay and pasture help keep them comfortable, healthy, and ready to perform their best. That’s why understanding what’s in your hay matters. During this session, Doug Leavitt, Cargill’s Senior Equine Specialist, will provide practical expertise for managing your horse’s nutrition, health, and wellness with the help of high quality forage.

Harnessing Stem Cells for Enhanced Tendon Healing - Presented by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation | Dr. Shannon Connard

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET in Regency F

Tendon injuries can keep horses out of work for months and carry a high risk of reinjury. Through the help of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Dr. Shannon Conrad’s team explored whether priming stem cells before treatment could improve tendon healing. To investigate this, we compared standard stem cells with primed stem cells in horses with injured tendons. No treatment-related adverse reactions were observed. Both groups showed similar improvements in lameness and ultrasound findings, while primed cells produced modest improvements in the microscopic appearance of the healing tendon. These findings support further research into primed stem cells as a potential off-the-shelf treatment using donor cells. More work is needed to confirm safety with donor stem cells and determine whether this approach could improve long-term healing, help horses return to work, and reduce reinjury.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Equine & Rider Accident Response | Rusty Lowe

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET in Regency F

Accidents involving horses and riders can happen quickly and knowing how to respond can make a critical difference in their recovery. In this session, Rusty Lowe, the USEA’s VP President of Safety, will cover practical steps for assessing emergencies, protecting everyone at the scene, responding to injuries, and knowing when to call for professional help. Participants will gain the confidence and knowledge needed to stay calm, act safely, and be better prepared when the unexpected happens.

Heat, Hazards, & Horses: Safety Starts in the Stable | Jill Lukens

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET in Washington A

Fire safety around horses goes beyond the barn. In this seminar, speaker Jill Lukens will explore common fire hazards associated with today's battery-powered products, including the rise of e-bike and scooters, electrical powered products, camper-trailers, and even rodents. Learn practical strategies for identifying risks, preventing fires, and creating a safer environment for horses, people and property. Whether at the barn, on the road, or around the farm, safety starts with awareness and prevention.

Through the Horse's Eyes: Decorative Elements & Jumping | Adri Doyle & Jeff Kibbie

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET in Washington A

Have you ever thought about how a cross-country fence looks to your horse as your galloping up to the base? Horses don’t see the world in quite the way we do, so it is important to understand how our views differ. Their wide field of vision, perception of color and contrast, and sensitivity to movement can all influence how they approach a jump. Decorative elements such as flowers, brush, banners, shadows, and changes in color or pattern may affect how a horse reads an obstacle and responds to it.

Course Designers Adri Doyle and Jeff Kibbie will explore jumping from the horse’s perspective, helping riders, trainers, and fellow designers better understand how visual elements can influence a horse’s confidence, focus, and reaction to a fence.

Horses in Military | Lucy Beard & David O’Connor

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET in Washington B

This session will introduce members to the U.S. Army Cassion Horses that currently work in Arlington National Cemetery and the program that supports them. Beard and O’Connor will provide a brief history of modern military horse use, touching on eventings’ roots in the Cavalry, then provide some history on the Cassion and how it is being reimagined for future growth.

With the addition of core civilian staff and advisors, the program has been strengthen and a long-term commitment has been made to keeping the horses’ on their patrol at the Cemetery. The speakers will provide an overview of the horse’s training program, as well as their scheduling, veterinary care, and retirement planning once they’ve joined the Cassion. Finally, they will discuss the equine career building path now available for service members through the Cassion and what the long-term goals are for the development of the program.

Saturday, December 12

Horse Insurance 101 - Presented by Marshall+Sterling | Amy Daum

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. ET in Washington A

What actually happens if your horse colics on a Tuesday night, or a lesson student gets hurt while you’re working with them? In this session, Amy Daum, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance’s VP of Equine Operations, will break down the insurance every horse person should understand. For owners, Daum will cover Mortality and Major Medical/Surgical coverage and Personal Houseowner’s Liability. For instructors, trainers, and boarding facility operators, she will cover Commercial Liability and why it matters even for a small operation. Whether you own one horse or run a barn, you will leave with a clear picture of what these policies cover, what they do not, and the questions to ask your agent when you’re ready to take the next step.

Making Strides for Equality and Growing the Sport | Esha Tariq, Martha Figeurosa, & KC McAllister

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET in Potomac VI

What does eventing have to do with equality in our nation and the world? Join Ever So Sweet Scholarship Alumni Esha Tariq, Martha Figuerosa, and KC McAllister as they discuss their experience in the program and explain how Equestrians of Color are a vital part of our sport and how others can be their allies.

Discover Design Details for Better Show Jumping Rounds (2 ECP Credits) | Chris Barnard

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET in Conference Theater

This interactive show jumping course design seminar is not to be missed! Expert show jumping course designer, Chris Barnard, will discuss current trends in show jumping course design, including theory, footing management, and best practices. The seminar is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about eventing show jumping course design, but attendance at this seminar will also fulfill the USEF Continuing Education Clinic maintenance requirements for ‘R’ Eventing Jumping Course Designers (EVJCD). It also serves as the Training Program for those who wish to obtain a ‘R’ EVJCD license.

Rule Change Open Forum | Malcolm Hook

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET in Washington A

The always well attended Rule Change Open Forum, moderated by former USEA Board of Governors Member and “S” TD, Malcom Hook, will again take place on Saturday morning of the Convention. This session is dedicated to reviewing the General and Eventing specific Rule Change Proposals (RCP) that are on the docket for the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) for the 2028 season. USEF Subscriber and Active members have the opportunity to submit their commentary to all RCPs through their My USEF dashboard each year, and this forum allows for open discussion on the potential new rules before members submit their thoughts.

For discipline specific rules, the USEA Board of Governors will review and vote on recommendations that are provided to the USEF after Convention, so these are especially important to discuss. Attend to participate in the governance of the sport!

The Conditioning Playbook: Sound Horses & Fit Riders | Pat Maykuth, Sharon White, David O’Connor, Tony Sandoval, & Cassidy Sitton Oeltjen

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET in Washington A

Join this star-studded panel of eventing professionals for presentations and discussion on horse and rider conditioning to get you ready for performance on the day of a big event or over a lifetime, regardless of your discipline. The session will focus on proven methods that help to produce sound horses and rider fitness based on the best science and a lifetime of experience of our panelist. The content is appropriate for riders, coaches, support staff, trainers, landowners and beth Lthose interested in developing conditioning programs.

When the Air Isn’t Safe: Protecting Equine Respiratory Health in Changing Conditions | Dr. Danielle Scott, PhD, MESM

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET in Conference Theater

As wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, exposure to harmful levels of air pollution is a growing concern. Athletes, particularly those who exercise outdoors, have been identified as especially vulnerable, horses and riders included. In this seminar, Dr. Scott, the Primary Care Research Director at Colorado State University, will discuss her doctoral research investigating the relationship between air pollution and equine athletic performance and present practical, expert-informed recommendations for protecting horses during periods of poor air quality.

Sunday, December 13

Tips on Applying for USEA Foundation Grants | Beth Lendrum, Sharon Anthony, & Katherine Cooper

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET in Conference Theater

Turn opportunity into action! Learn how to navigate the USEA Foundation grant application process, understand available opportunities, and how to put together a strong, thoughtful application. This session will offer practical tips to help applicants clearly communicate their goals and make the most of the grant opportunities available through the USEA Foundation.

If you have any questions about the 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Arlington, Virginia on December 11-13, please contact Jennifer Hardwick by email at [email protected] or by phone at (703) 779-0440, ext. 3003.

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 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Arlington, Virginia, on Dec. 11-13. 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, Gallagher’s Water, GeneTech, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance, Nutrena, PulseVet, Rebecca Farm, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartPak, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.