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.
In this excerpt, trainer and educator Anne Buchannan explains bit contact connection and why it matters for true collection and healthy movement.
Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.
The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.
In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.