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:
From the Annual Meeting:
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!
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.