Feb 20, 2013

USEA Area 1 Annual Meeting Recap

They say it’s too far to travel, that January is too cold, and some even say that it’s a waste of time. Sadly, I’ve even heard it whispered that the Annual Meeting is just boring.

So, I turned to the infamous “They” and asked, “Have you ever attended? Have you ever sat with your fellow eventer and cheered as they picked up year-end ribbons? Or, have you ever watched the Young Riders' year played out on a slideshow of inspiration? No, comments like that prove that you, the infamous “They," have yet to experience the fun of Area I’s Annual Meeting!”

This year, 100 strong showed up for a packed agenda coupled with a very competitive Silent Auction. Lunch was a spectacular Italian buffet ending with an array of sweets. It was an event filled with challenge (beating out a neighbor to win a coveted entry), clapping (congratulations to year-end award winners), and culture.

From the Organizers Meeting:

  • Fitch's Corner will once again be hosting the Area Championships as well as celebrating their 20th anniversary. It should be another fabulous event!
  • Events may charge a fee for late entries (after closing date). The amount will be published in the Omnibus.
  • In February 2013, the USEF Technical Committee approved that effective 2014, one fall is OK at Beginner Novice/Novice, provided you land on your feet. Further details will be published in Optimum Minutes.
  • For those of you working to qualify for a CIC* or CCI*, there are more steps required to move up. The details are posted on the FEI website.
  • Great news! Stuart Horse Trials is working to bring back the CIC1* and 2*… stay tuned.


From the Annual Meeting:

  • Thanks to our fundraising efforts, an increase in starters as well as an increase in our membership, Area I is in a great financial position. As always, we’re looking for your ideas on how to better utilize our Area and Program funds.
  • Kudos to George Cheney who received the Chairman’s Award for the volunteer who has made a significant contribution to Area 1. George has been running the Silent Auction for several years and this year alone raised well over $4,500!
  • Special thanks to Salisbury Bank and Trust, founder of the Eventing “Sportsmanship Award.” They were on hand with gifts for all attendees and provided a free drawing for a $200 Bit of Britain gift certificate.
  • Joan Davis from Flatlandsfoto once again donated over $530 to the Adult Riders Program from the sale of her most awesome 2013 Area I Eventing Calendars.


From the Keynote Speaker – Steven Kraus, Head Farrier at Cornell University:

“The Effects of Conformation on Performance and Soundness”
It was evident from the minute Steve began his talk that he was not a man given to vague references or
uncertain opinions. He believes that by understanding conformation we can select and manage our performance
horses to have a long and sound career.

He provided photographic examples of conformational defects and how those defects manifest in the hoof. His
explanations left more than a few of us picturing the hooves of our own horses, trying to determine how they fit
the photos shown. Steve methodically gave us an overview of how conformational problems could be managed
through proper shoeing.

Ultimately, by knowing more about its effects on performance, a buyer may be more prudent in selecting good
conformation in their future event horse.

Be sure to check the upcoming Optimum Minutes for more Annual Meeting notes!

Jul 02, 2024 Educational Activities

USEA Educational Activity Highlight: Sherwood Forest Hunter Pace | Sherwood Oregon | July 13, 2024

What’s a Hunter Pace? The Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center's Hunter Pace is a cross-country-style course around Sherwood Forest over various natural obstacles/terrain. The course ends with a final treat for riders to take in stunning views of Mt. Hood with a loop through the old Far Hill Farms field. The beginning of the course will first start with a warm-up loop around show jumping obstacles in the outdoor ring at Sherwood Forest and then riders will continue directly onto the course. Sign up as a solo rider, pair, or team.

Jul 02, 2024 Profile

No Longer Dreaming: Claire Allen's Goal of Qualifying for USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship is Now Reality

Claire Allen remembers when she was 11 years old, having just made the switch from the hunter/jumper ring to three-day eventing. She told her new eventing trainer that her goal was to one day compete in the United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Young Rider Championships.

Jul 01, 2024 Competitions

Alliston’s Busy Weekend, Braitling’s Reuniting with Five-Star Mount, & Kalkman’s Advanced Victory Highlight Twin Rivers Summer H.T.

As he was finishing tacking up his horse in preparation to navigate the cross-country course at the 2024 Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials, James Alliston expressed concern about navigating the 101 Freeway. That’s because as soon as he crossed the finish line aboard Intermediate level winner Addyson (Ampere x Nickerbocker) at 10:38 a.m. on Saturday—his fifth cross-country round of the morning with three at Preliminary and two at Intermediate—the West Coast-based five-star rider had to drive 185 miles on the 101 Freeway from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, to San Francisco International Airport to catch a 4:35 p.m. flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

Jul 01, 2024 Education

USEA Podcast #364: All Your Grooming Questions Answered

There is so much more to proper grooming than keeping your horse picture-perfect for the horse inspection. Good grooming practices are critical to proper horse management, no matter if you are planning for your next FEI appearance or your Starter level debut. To help you maximize your knowledge of grooming practices, we opened up the opportunity for USEA members to submit any questions they might have on our Instagram and Facebook stories. In this week's episode, Host Nicole Brown sits down with three of the highest-regarded grooms in this industry, Max Corcoran, Emma Ford, and Stephanie Simpson, and asks them all of your questions and more to help you perfect the art of grooming.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA