Dec 03, 2024

Exclusive "Hoof Dreams" Screening at the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

By Kaleigh Collett - USEA Staff | Press Release
Filming for "Hoof Dreams" was an international endevour with athletes from the U.S., Germany, and Puerto Rico participating. Photo by Jessie Deeter.

High-performance sport, gender-equality, and female empowerment take center stage in the exciting film, "Hoof Dreams," which follows the journeys of top international eventers Tamie Smith, Lauren Billys, and Julia Krajewski on the road to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At this year's USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Seattle, Washington, meet Emmy-nominated filmmaker and director of "Hoof Dreams," Jessie Deeter, and one of the movie's stars, Smith, in-person during an exclusive screening for USEA Members on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14. Purchase your ticket here.

As equestrians, we take great pride in participating in a sport that allows men and women to compete on an even playing field with one another, but did you know that there had never been a female individual gold medalist in eventing prior to 2020? The sport debuted at the Olympic level during the 1912 Stockholm Games and was originally only open to male military personnel. Then, in 1964 at the Tokyo Olympic Games, women were afforded the opportunity to compete against their male counterparts. In today's day and age, it can be hard to image a time when women weren't dominating at the top of the sport, and it seems only fitting that our first female champion, another one of the movie's stars, Krajewski, broke this record in Tokyo again during the 2020 Games.

Julia Krajewski and Amande de B'Neville pose with their Olympic Gold Medal from Tokyo. Photo by Jessie Deeter

Filmed over the five years leading up to and at the Tokyo Olympics, viewers will watch Germany’s Krajewski, America’s Smith, and Puerto Rico’s Billys navigate the highs and lows of chasing their dreams to Olympic glory. "Hoof Dreams" highlights the battle for respect and equality in this fiercely competitive sport and celebrates the intrepid women daring to disrupt the status quo.

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, attendees are invited to join us in Grand Ballroom III for a screening of the film, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Deeter and Smith, who will be in attendance, and Krajewski and Billys, who will participate virtually. Admission to the screening comes complimentary with all Full and Collegiate/Junior registrations for the Annual Meeting & Convention. Additional tickets for family members, friends, or single-day attendees can be purchased here for $15 per person. Movie snacks will be provided for attendees!

If you have any questions about the "Hoof Dreams" screening or the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, please contact Jennifer Hardwick by email at [email protected] or by phone (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 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.

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