1. Lucinda Green’s Speech – You’ve seen Lucinda Green win Badminton a grand total of six times – on six different horses, no less! Now is your chance to see this legend in person as she takes the stage as the keynote speaker at this year’s Convention. You can also catch her on the panel in the ‘Training Solutions from Top Riders’ seminar. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to come face-to-face with one of the most influential riders of our time!
2. ‘Dressage Judging for Dummies’ – Okay…just the name of this seminar should at least make you curious! But
Dressage is the only phase in Eventing that relies on subjective judging…don’t you want to find out what really goes through the minds of the people that, quite possibly, decide your fate for the rest of the competition? This presentation should be on the top of everyone’s to-do list!3. ‘Olympic Recap’ – The 2008 Olympics have come and gone, but the memories and stories will last forever! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to listen to all five US Eventing Team members, along with their Chef d’Equipe Captain Mark Phillips, as they recall the highs, lows, and some never before shared moments from Sha Tin Equestrian Center in Hong Kong! Sponsored by Nutrena.
Also, be sure to add ‘The Olympics: A Groom’s Point of View’ to your list of seminars to check out. You’ll hear from Max Corcoran and Emma Ford, grooms for Karen O’Connor and Phillip Dutton respectively, as they recall their experiences from Hong Kong and the months leading up to the Games.
4. The Trade Fair – Christmas and the holidays will be right around the corner when the Convention comes along, so we’re bringing you a one stop shop for every horse person on your shopping list. Whether you’re looking for gifts for your friends, family, trainer, horse, or yourself, this year’s trade fair will be chock full of fabulous gift ideas. Don’t miss out!
5. ‘The Media Called…Now What?’ – Even though not everyone is an Olympic rider, many riders will have a run-in with the "paparazzi" at some point in time. What do you say? How do you get your point across clearly? How do you keep from sounding boring? This seminar will answer questions you have about dealing with the press, as well as assure you successful encounters with the media in times of triumph and tragedy.
6. ‘Pilates: Think of it as Dressage Conditioning for People’ – While some riders care for their own bodies as much as their horses, others have yet to take that next step towards making themselves as much of a rider as they can be. If you’re in the latter group, this is a MUST on your to-do list. These fun and functional Pilates exercises will help you balance your body and mind, and give yourself every advantage possible in all three phases. Don’t miss out on making yourself all you can be!7. The Area III ‘Masked Event’ – Area III is the host area for this year’s Convention and they have planned a true New Orleans party for all Convention attendees. Grab a Mardi Gras mask and head over to the ‘Masked Event’ to enjoy some delicious hors d’oervs and drinks. Plus, this is the perfect opportunity to work the crowd and meet some interesting new people…you never know who you may run into! Sponsored by Carl Bouckeart & Chattahoochee Hills Eventing.
8. The USEA Awards Luncheon – This year’s Awards Luncheon is sure to be fun and entertaining as Master of Ceremonies James Wofford presents the year-end awards to the horses and riders who topped the leader boards this year. Come enjoy a delicious lunch and cheer on the riders who topped the competition this year! Sponsored by Maui Jim Sunglasses.
9. USEA Auction Reception – Still need a Christmas gift or two for that person who has everything? Don’t miss out on our Convention Auction where you can find some awesome deals on top of the line merchandise and support a great cause. All benefits from this auction will go to USEA Equine Welfare Research. Super products and a deserving cause…what more can you ask for! Sponsored by Nutrena.
10. The Sights and Sounds of New Orleans – No trip to the home of Mardi Gras would be complete without a day (or night!) of sight seeing. There are countless attractions to visit in The Big Easy just waiting to be visited and dozens of delicious restaurants just waiting to be sampled. The Convention is sure to keep you busy, but tear yourself away for a few minutes to see one of the most incredible cities in the nation!
