United States Eventing Association

USEA Convention Track Preview: USEA

This time next month eventers from all around the country will have gathered at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, California for the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention! We’ve previewed for you each of the three specific tracks, “Events”, “Eventers”, and “Equine”, but we’ve got one more for you: the “USEA” track. The USEA track includes events that will take place at convention that no participant should miss, or that span multiple tracks. Take a look at some of the fantastic events and presentations we have lined up for the entire audience at this year’s convention.

USEA Board of Governors Reception presented by Area VI
Thursday, December 7, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific

In the true eventing spirit of good times, good food, and good friends, the Board of Governors and Area VI will welcome everyone to the 2017 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention with a welcome reception. The welcome reception is open to all Convention attendees and will kick off the festivities in style on Thursday evening. Everyone is invited to enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and enjoy the many exhibits of the Aquarium of the Pacific and the colorful reefs. Meet members of the USEA Board of Governors and catch up with friends before heading out to enjoy local flavor of Long Beach. The USEA is also planning to have a special presentation by representatives of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on their plans for the summer games in just over a decade. The welcome reception will be hosted at the Aquarium of the Pacific and shuttle transportation will be departing from the Westin Long Beach hotel at 6:30 p.m. Shuttle services back to the hotel will start at 8:30 p.m.

USEA Board of Governors Meeting
Friday, December 8, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

The USEA Board of Governors meeting focuses on the reports of the USEA committees and general business of the Association. All USEA members are welcome to sit in and hear what is currently taking place on the USEA agenda.

Area VI Awards Luncheon
Friday, December 8, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Details coming soon!

Rule Change Open Forum
Saturday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Learn about the rule changes that will go into effect in 2018. Discuss the latest rule change proposals and have your opinions heard.

USEA Annual Meeting of Members with Keynote Speaker Boyd Martin
Saturday, December 9, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The USEA Annual Meeting of Members is an important part of the weekend as we bid a fond farewell to the Board of Governors members who have completed their terms, welcome our new Board of Governors members with smiles, and discuss important Association business. This year as a special treat, Boyd Martin, a fan-favorite who has won the hearts of American eventing fans, will give the keynote address.

U.S. Preparation for the 2018 World Equestrian Games
Speakers: USEF & Tryon
Saturday, December 9, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Details coming soon!

No Medals to Gold Medals - How it Happened for Germany
Saturday, December 9, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Peter Thomsen

Peter Thomsen has witnessed the rise of Germany as an eventing powerhouse first hand over the last several decades. He has represented his country in three Olympic Games including as member of the gold medal German Eventing Olympic team in 2008, and again in 2012 and as a team member at two World Equestrian Games. Peter will speak to how the Germans have risen so far and provide attendees with some insight into how the same can be accomplished for America!

USEA Year-End Awards Dinner
Saturday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: Jim Wofford

Saturday’s Year-End Awards Dinner will once again feature eventing legend Jim Wofford as the Master of Ceremonies. Come and accept your award or cheer on your friends, fellow riders, volunteers, and other members of the sport who have achieved high accolades this year. Cocktails will be served at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Martial Arts Training to Improve Your Riding
Sunday, December 10, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Matt Brown

Wake up after sitting through long convention meetings and improve your balance, timing and strength. Come learn from four-star eventer Matt Brown how to stay with your horse over those big drops, how to sit that extended trot, and how to control your horse without tension. This class will help you to increase your balance and partnership skills by using techniques from the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan. The flowing art of Tai Chi utilizes the principle of softness over hardness, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and strong." - Lao Tzo. The strength gained through this type of martial arts training can often be very useful to riders due to the increased flexibility, body awareness, and posture that goes along with the training. For this reason it can sometimes be more useful than more traditional forms of strength training. Come have fun working out your convention kinks and improve your riding while not in the saddle.

USEA Board of Governors Meeting
Sunday, December 10, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

All are welcome to sit in on the final USEA Board of Governors meeting of the Convention as the Governors review the week’s discussions and plan for future proposals.

The full Convention schedule including presentations for all tracks can be viewed here.

Click here for information on other Convention highlights that you won’t want to miss.

Convention Registration is now open and available to active USEA members. To register, log into your Online Services account or fill out the registration form. The cutoff date for registration is November 15, so be sure to register soon!

Book your hotel room at the Westin Long Beach Hotel using the USEA room block rate through this link or by calling (888)-627-8403. The room block rate will extend through November 15, so book your room before prices go up!

Click here for things to do in Long Beach. You can also check out places to dine, see, and shop at a discount with your USEA Convention badge by clicking here.

About the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting and 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 eventing enthusiasts. The 2017 Annual Meeting and Convention will take place at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, CA. December 6-10, 2017.