We are bringing you select content from the2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on demand in partnership with RNS Video Media, giving you a chance to relive all the action!
In the USEF High Performance Open Forum at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, USEF Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander revealed the 2019 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Strategic Plan. The mission of the plan is “to create an environment where U.S. riders learn how to succeed at championships,” with the philosophy that “every day is committed to creating a winning team.” The immediate goal is to achieve Olympic qualification at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
The strategic plan highlighted an increased focus on practice and performance in a team environment in order to give athletes opportunities to experience the dynamics and pressure of riding in a team. Through practice, the plan aims to develop athletes who are comfortable with riding to team instructions and are comfortable with the responsibilities and the pressure of riding in a team environment. Duvander said that they are hoping to establish domestic team opportunities for riders to simulate the Nation’s Cup environment. They have approached CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S organizers about overlaying a team competition within their existing competition. USEF is already working with the organizing committees to provide organizational support, so there should not be increased cost to the organizer.
Click here to read details from the USEF High Performance Open Forum.
The USEA Annual Meeting & 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 other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is taking place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, December 12-15, 2019. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
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.