Seattle, Wash.–Dec. 15–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.
USEA Board of Governors Changes
There are two board members who stepped down prior to the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Shelley Page and John Marshall. In addition, the terms of Deeda Randle and Dr. Cynthia Wiseman came to a close during this year’s meeting. In their place, Allison Murphy (Area IX) and Dr. Angie Yates, DVM (At Large) were voted into place during the USEA Annual Meeting of Members. The following individuals were selected to fill the spots of the two members who stepped down: Dan Michaels (Area IX) for a one-year term and Christina Gray (Area VI) for a two-year term.
Two new incoming Area Chairs were also approved: Max Corcoran for Area III and Jessica Ptak-Hooker for Area IV.
USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) Committee
A motion was made that all athletes under the age of 25 should be able to participate in any program they are eligible for, whether that be the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) or USEA. Neither organization should be able to preclude athletes from one list dependent upon their participation in another list.
David O’Connor, who is involved in both the USEA EA21 program and the USEF’s developing rider programs, spoke on the differences between the USEA and USEF programs and how it is important we don't limit a rider from participating in any program because of the goals and differences between the two programs.
The motion was approved by the USEA that would not limit a rider selected to participate in a USEF program from participating in the USEA EA21 program. The USEF would have to make decisions regarding programs on their end.
USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Update
Statistics from the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention are as follows:
Next year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will take place Dec. 10-14, at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A few new models for Convention for years 2026 and beyond were proposed, and it was determined that a Task Force would be created to discuss the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention and the various areas of opportunities for making the event an educational staple on the calendar of eventers all over the country, while still maintaining financial viability for both the USEA and attendees.
USEA Committee Updates
Area Affairs
Committee Roles Task Force
Competitions, Calendar, and Rules
USEA Eventing Coaches Program
USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program and Interscholastic Eventing League
USEA Young Event Horse
Helpful Links
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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.
Amidst the unbridled enthusiasm of the USEA Intercollegiate teams competing in this weekend’s USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View (Aiken, S.C.), the Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) riders have held their own with displays of teamwork and horsemanship all weekend long. While all teams put their best foot forward, one team rose above the rest. The Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club came into the weekend with one goal in mind—to win. They achieved that goal by such a large margin, a little more than 16 points, that they were able to claim the title of champions before their last rider, 16-year-old Claire McMillan, had even left the start box.
The University of Kentucky has claimed top honors at the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship, held this weekend at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. With 10 teams and 36 entries, they not only secured the title of “School with the Largest Presence” once again, but also rode away with their second national championship title, adding to their 2021 victory. Their winning team, the Kentucky Wildcats (made up of Callia Englund,Sarah Ertl, Macy Hale, and Emerson Padgett) dominated the championship finishing 11 points ahead of second place with a total score of 77.76.
Kendal Fansler, Claire McMillan, Emma Whitaker, and Olive Dumais have been riding together for more than two years through their membership in the Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club. Together, the teenagers have tackled Pony Club rallies, the intimidating Pony Club tradition of Quiz, and more. But this weekend, they’re tackling one of their biggest obstacles yet—the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship.
For the Texas A&M Eventing Team, this year’s return to the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships wasn’t just about competition—it was about perseverance and the power of community. After three years away from the national stage, the Aggies were dedicated to making a comeback, arriving in Aiken with a 12-person squad and eight competing riders (Hailey Alfaro, Bella Koon, Payton McBee, Brenna McDonald, Scarlett Pienado, Sarah Talcott, Brianna Ulmer, and Brett Youssi).