United States Eventing Association

Eventing and the broader horse industry is experiencing a period of significant change. These shifts are being driven by a variety of factors, including economic pressures, evolving age demographics, reduced access to land and facilities, and changing levels of exposure to and understanding of horses. The USEA recognizes the importance of proactively evaluating these trends to ensure the Association continues to adapt, innovate, and provide meaningful support to its members and the sport.

During the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, held in December in New Orleans, Louisiana, 30 participants, which included USEA staff, USEA committee members, and members of the USEA Board of Governors, took part in a Strategic Planning session which focused on structured future-thinking exercises. These exercises explored multiple potential scenarios for the sport of eventing and the horse industry over the next one to 10 years. Through thoughtful discussion and analysis, the Strategic Planning Committee identified three core focus areas for the coming year, along with additional priorities to be addressed over the next two, five, and 10 years.

2026 Focus Areas

Competition – Growth, support, and enhancement
Focus Area Champion: Carol Kozlowski

Membership – Attraction and retention
Focus Area Champion: Liz Hoskinson

Education – Serving members, coaches, supporters, parents, and those outside of eventing
Focus Area Champion: Jennifer Howlett Rousseau

Each focus area team will meet to identify actionable short-term initiatives, while also developing strategic plans that look three, five, and 10 years into the future.

In addition, the USEA will offer a Strategic Plan Form for members to share their thoughts, ideas, questions, and solutions. Feedback submitted through this form will be reviewed by the Strategic Planning team as part of the ongoing planning process. This form will be shared at a later date.

Thank you to the members of the USEA for your continued engagement, curiosity, and solution-oriented approach as we work together to shape the future of eventing.