United States Eventing Association

Weekend Highlights of the 2009 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention

Planning for the World Equestrian Games

Panelists: John Long (CEO of USEF), David O'Connor (President of USEF), Capt. Mark Phillips (Eventing chef d'quipe), Richard Jeffery (show jumping course designer for WEG), and Jane Beshear (wife of Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky)

With the World Equestrian Games nearly upon us (less than a year to go!), USEF CEO John Long explained a few of the facts and figures that make this WEG so incredible. "Five years ago tomorrow, the USEF made its pitch to host the Games...we've all put in a tremendous amount of work since them." The state of Kentucky has invested $110 million into the horse park to prepare for the WEG--this is the first time that the Games has ever been held outside of Europe, and there was the need to make it "technically, artistically, and financially perfect."

Eight disciplines will be represented, and several hours will be broadcast on NBC. Over 40% of the WEG tickets have already been sold, and this will be the largest sporting event in the US in 2010--and the second largest in North America (second only to the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver).

In terms of our US riders, Capt. Mark Phillips believes we will have a great "home court" advantage. After John played a fantastic video preview of the WEG for the audience, Mark added, "This gives you an idea of the emotions involved. There's going to be a lot of riders working extra hard this winter."

He also added that the final mandatory outing before the Games will be held at Chattahoochee Hills in conjunction with the American Eventing Championships. "What better place to prepare for the WEG than at the AEC?" added Mark, who said he was excited that many of the fans will get a chance to cheer on the riders as they head to WEG. The team will stay on and prepare for the Games at the immaculate training facility at "Chatt Hills," owned and enjoyed by Belgian rider Carl Bouckaert.

While Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear was unable to make it to the Convention due to the snowy weather, his wife filled in for him and gave the audience a moving speech of how thrilled the state of Kentucky is to be hosting this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It's a time when we're all very nervous and excited. We will get everything done before the Games and it'll be the best it can possibly be. You'll be aghast at the metamorphosis of this horse park." She also added that the Horse Park is working on "green" solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of this monstrous event, when countless people will be on-site. More energy-efficient technology is being used, such as solar-polar trash compactors and endless recycling.

Interestingly enough, she added that this will be the largest group of horses ever to be shipped by air into the US...nearly 690 horses!

WEG Show jumping course designer Richard Jeffery gave a sneak peek of the type of show jumps riders and spectators can expect to see next fall. Richard gave a great slide show of Kentucky scenes, illustrating where he gets his inspiration for jump design.

Is Your Tack Holding You Back?

Presented by World Equestrian Brands

When some riders think about what they need in order to ride or compete, they undoubtedly remember their horse, but often forget their tack and other equipment that is so crucial to their success. As representatives from World Equestrian Brands explained, your tack should be considered just as much as your horses.

Both new advancements in tack design and the proper use of classic tack are essential for excelling in whatever discipline you choose. Be sure your bridle is fit comfortably for your horse; the new innovation of a one-piece crownpiece is provides added comfort for the horse. Also, be sure the saddle sits balanced on the horse’s back.
Finally, once your ride is complete, take some time to pamper your horse with a magnetic treatment, whether it be through a blanket or leg wraps. When you take the time to be sure that each tiny detail is carried out to perfection, you and your horses can reach the pinnacle of your goals with ease!

Want to Judge at the Olympics? The Journey Starts Here

Speakers: Brian Ross & Marilyn Payne

Pursuing the goal of becoming a licensed official may seem lofty for most horse enthusiasts, but through the guidance of Marilyn Payne and Brian Ross, that goal became attainable. In the very least, their description of the process, as presented in this informational seminar, provided the initial tools needed to get one out of the “starting box”.
There are several “tracks” for the formal licensing process, which are geared towards three types of applicants:
1. The first being the “Fast Track Program” is geared towards the experienced rider & aims to recruit riders who have competed at the 3 & 4* levels. This entails a process of shadowing an associate judge & becoming an official at endorsed competitons.
2. The second track is a “Mentoring Program” for riders who have competed through the advanced level. Again applicants are encouraged to shadow a seasoned judge & to attain hands on experience by judging at schooling shows.
3. Of course, when one thinks of becoming a licensed official, focus goes to the expertise needed to judge in the dressage phase. The most aggressive track of the certification comes in the form of a 20 Day Training Program, which begins with an intense 4 day segment which focuses on the methodology and mechanics of judging dressage.

Mindy Friesen, a seminar attendee who has successfully gone through the Training Program, spent a few moments chatting with me after the session. She commented on the brilliance of the instructional expertise offered through the program by seasoned professionals such as Marilyn & Brian. By observing the mounted participants during the training sessions, students of the training program gained invaluable knowledge on the importance of the bio mechanics & the technical aspects of each movement. Ultimately, training program attendees would be able to interpret each movement “through the eyes of a judge”.

Graduates of this 3 phased training program must submit a formal application through the USEA committee, spend a specified amount of time shadowing or judging in the field and must be armed with 15 references within the riding community. The applicant can then expect to be tested on all 3 phases before being awarded their well earned official credentials. Continuing education, to keep one’s skills sharp, is also expected of the licensed graduates. To read more on the Training Program for Officials, please visit the education section of the USEA’s website.


Adult Riders Open Forum

Guest Speakers: Denny Emerson and Jimmy Wofford

When Denny Emerson and Jimmy Wofford get together to speak you always know you are in for a treat and the Adult Riders Open Forum was no exception. Although it was 8:00 on a Saturday morning the pair still drew a crowd. The meeting was opened by Adult Riders Chair Cindy DePorter who explained that she surveyed many adult riders to find out who they would like to hear from at the USEA Convention and Denny and Jimmy were almost the unanimous choices.

Cindy then turned the microphone over to Denny and Jimmy who each spoke a little bit about some ideas they had for adult riders. They then took questions from many of the attendees. Of course their wisdom was filled with humorous quips and the audience was practically falling out of their seats with laughter. The atmosphere in the room is almost impossible to replicate in writing.

Here are a few of the morsels of knowledge that Jimmy and Denny gave out:

- “Your life expands and retracts with your courage”
- As we get older we all become more aware what can happen to you in your riding – a lot of issues that exist with adult riders are fear or caution related
- Some adult riders put themselves in too small of a jar – they need to stop be willing to jump out the top.
- You can improve your drive exactly the way you can improve your intellectual or physical ability – you just have to figure out how to do it. Set mini-goals, achieve them, then push them a little.
- What is the single best defense against apprehension? Preparation. Prepare yourself as well as possible for each phase.
- You do not rise to the occasion – you sink to the level of your training.
- Fatigue makes cowards of us all.
- Fitness is like the fountain of youth.
- Don’t just event – participate in endurance riding, point to point, jumpers, dressage, etc.
- The good teachers are the ones that had to learn how to ride and weren’t just intuitive. You have to learn how to break it down.

Event Owners Task Force Open Forum

The gathering of riders, owners, and other curious participants was opened by Dr. Mark Hart who owned Poggio for Amy Tryon. Dr. Hart began by explaining why an Event Owners Task Force was formed in the first place. He said that the USEF felt that the owners were underrespresented in eventing, so the group was developed about a year and a half ago to find out what the USEF could do to help event owners. The task force wants to broaden the base of owners since it is really getting too expensive for the old model of just one person owning a team or international-caliber horse.

Dr. Hart said the first task the group tackled was to figure out a way for the USEF to facilitate the process of finding owners. Unfortunately the old days of the USEF buying and owning the team horses just is not feasible in this day in age. The task force decided the best way to match owners and riders was to create a website in the style of facebook. The main idea is for syndicates to develop and make it possible and more affordable to own a piece of a horse. Another benefit of syndication is that all money given to a rider for the care/maintenance/training costs of the horse can be tax deductable through the American Horse Trials Foundation. Although still in the Beta stage the Eventing Task Force website will hopefully go live soon.

Dr. Hart ended by emphasizing that buying into a syndicate is not an investment . . . it is for the fun of the sport.

ICP Open Forum

Sponsored by Charles Owen

Sue Hershey, co-chair of the USEA ICP, led a group of ICP instructors and other interested eventers in an interesting discussion about some basics of the ICP and how it can be useful to each USEA member. The floor was opened for questions and many ICP instructors present did their best to answer them. One of the most important issues was lack of ICP instructors in certain areas. The discussion raised many good points, but it kept coming back to the problem of instructors just being unwilling to pay for the program or being scared of the program. One ICP instructor said she didn't understand why prospective instructors are claiming it is too expensive, while it really is just the price of taking two horses to an event. Others said that candidates are scared of failing or having to change their teaching style. All in all it was a great conversation with some members of the now 208 ICP instructors across the continent.

USEA Youth Board

The USEA Youth Board Meeting was an intimate meeting of five members who are enthusiastic to find a niche for their board within the USEA. The group worked on making a plan to put together a mission statement, recruit more dedicated members, and put together a structure that will lend legitimacy to the Youth Board.

The Youth Board was developed to give under 25 year-old eventers a voice in the organization. Many people think that it is the same as the Young Riders program, but it is not. The Young Riders committees are actually made up of adult coordinators, and not the youth of the sport. The Youth Board is going to work hard to make sure that their place is maintained and their voice is heard.

Junior/Young Rider Open Forum

The Junior/Young Rider Open Forum unfortunately drew the short straw and was scheduled for the same rime period as Lucinda Green's Coffin Canter discussion. Although a small crowd, some important issues were covered. Many may have heard about the petition that is circling to raise the age of the CCI1* at the North American Junior/Young Riders Championship to 21. Malcolm Hook informed the audience that the issue had been discussed in the Eventing Technical Committee meeting, and they had voted that they would not be putting the petition forward to the FEI. Malcolm explained that the committee though that it would be unfair to a 14-18 year-old to have to compete with 21 year-olds for spots on their areas teams. Also eventing would need the support of all of the NAJYRC disciplines before getting the FEI's approval because raising the age of a junior would affect all the sports.

Joanie Morris, event director for NAJYRC for the USEF, then spoke about the 2010 Championships. NAJYRC will be held July 28-August 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park. New arenas will have been installed so eventing dressage will not have to be held at midnight! Joanie also stressed that special permission had to be obtained to use the cross-country course that close to the World Equestrian Games, so it is of utmost importance that the riders respect the course. Officials will be freely eliminating any rider caught on the cross-country course in un-designated areas.

Final Board of Governors Meeting

Kevin Baumgardner opened this final Board of Governors meeting (which included all the in-coming Board members) with a congratulations to young rider Maxance McManamy who just received the title of USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year. "She's indicative of the type of sportmanship that this award calls for," said Kevin.

Because there were several new Board members this year, each Board member and USEA staff member introduced themselves and told a little about their responsibilities to the Association.

Tremaine Cooper, co-chair of the Course Designers/Builders Committee, brought forth an idea that would hope to promote and develop upper-level cross-country course designers. If a designer did not receive their large R license (allowing them to design Intermediate and Advanced courses), but the examiners felt that they showed enough promise to design Intermediate courses, yet Advanced was still out of their reach quite yet, then they could be granted a type of "restricted large R" license, which would allow them to design Intermediate courses. This still has yet to be reviewed by the Eventing Technical Committee, and the courses designed by these special cases would be reviewed and inspected by other course designers, technical delegates, and rider representatives.

"If it helps develop more course designers and get them more experience, then we think this would be a good step for us," said Tremaine. If this new system was approved, an email would be sent out to organizers explaining the category of this approved designer and notifying them of the designer's restrictions. "There are so few designers in this position," added Tremaine," that we would do this on a case-by-case basis."

Tremaine was also called upon to work with USEA Board Member and USEF Project Manager Matt Fine to liason with the University of Kentucky team who's heading up the Frangible Pin Study. The Board felt it was important to have course designers and riders involved in this research, in order to give their input. "Before spending money on this research, we need to make sure we have horsemen working with the team before they go to the next level," said Tremaine. "It seems like it's endorsed by us, and we need to be careful if there's any issues that we haven't followed."

Kevin agreed and said, "We want a more collaborative process--and we're hoping the UK team will liason with the course designers." He also added that Dan Starck, co-chair of the Course Designers/Builders Committee, will also work with Tremaine and Matt.

Mike Winter added that this this program was designed solely to try out new concepts in frangible pin technology. "We need to recognize that this is a pilot program, and it will require give and take on all sides."

Wezo Pierson was named the new chair of the USEA Endowment Trust, and discussed new business with the ET, such as how do they disperse the money for the benefit of the USEA, and also securing more funds.

The USEA Endowment Trust gave a wonderful announcement during Saturday's update of the USEA Safety Studies. The ET will match any funds received for the Equine Cardiovascular Study--up to $25,000. They've started a pledge drive, and already many proud eventers have stepped up to the plate to donate. Interested in helping us reach our goal? Download the pledge card and send it back to the USEA office!

Malcolm Hook, VP of Competitions, discussed a possible FEI rule change that many of the Young Riders have put forth. They're hoping to raise the age of the CCI1* competitors to 21, instead of 18, in order to allow more participants, since many feel they can't qualify in time or have a one-star horse by the time they're 18. Malcolm doens't think that this will fly with the FEI. "The FEI won't consider an age change for just one discipline by itself. The request for this must have the support of all the disciplines and federations (including Mexico and Canada)."

Carol Kozlowski hoped that there might be a way to host "non-championship" classes at the NAJYRC, so that riders could still take part in the championship experience. However, Malcolm said that the FEI made it quite clear that they do not want non-championship divisions held in conjunction with the NAJYRC.

Cindy DePorter, Chair of the Adult Rider Council, wanted to publicly thank Rebecca Broussard for her generous continuation of the Le Samurai Fund, which helps fund the USEA's ten Area Adult Rider programs.

Cindy also announced the locations of the 2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USEA Adult Team Challenge: Woodside (CA), Greenwood (TX), and Waredaca (MD). She also said that the addition of an online membership (through the USEA site), has helped to nearly double the Adult Rider numbers. They also had a huge turn-out fom the very educational (and quite amusing) open forum, hosted by eventing legends Jim Wofford and Denny Emerson, and received a very positive feedback from attendees.

Jon Holling, chair of the Professional Horseman's Council, said that several member of the PHC met with course designers the other evening and started some great conversations about course design. They're also working on ways to make the rider representative program work a bit better with more communication with the designers and officials. "We're hoping to have a regular open dialog with them every year," said Jon.

The PHC, which consists of not just professional riders, but grooms, officials, and organizers, is also planning a regular column in the USEA website and magazine. "This will be a platform for us to be more proactive," said Jon. "We're hoping many of these riders will take over leadership roles."

Carol Kozlowski brought up a thought that perhaps rider reps should get the opportunity to be driven around the courses ahead of time by the TDs or organizers. "This way we could address some issues early on," explained Carol. Dorothy Crowell added, "Penny Ross did this for me at Virginia Horse Trials, and it was awesome!"

There was further discussion, this time headed by in-coming Board Member Margie Malloy, on the availability of dressage tests on the USEA website. There was talk about having other options--still providing them for sale to competitions who would like to purchase them and also unrecognized competitions as well. However, those recognized competitions who would like to print out their own would have an option to do so. There is still further discussion of the matter, and no final decisions were made. "We have to be careful not to make the changeover too quick, but a blended approach makes a lot of sense," said Kevin.

Tim Murray, chair of the Young Rider Committee, further commented on the age issue for the junior competitors, however, there doens't seem much hope that this rule will be overturned by the FEI. "We need to be careful about lowering the bar," said Jon Holling. "Not every kid will get to attend the NAJYRC, and it should be pretty special for those who get this opportunity." He also added that the NAJYRC is cyclical--some years there are many participants, and some years the numbers are slim.

A few years ago, Vicky Fine started an incredible mentorship program for Young Riders, giving them the chance to shadow officials, organizers, and other important people in the sport. This way, they could still be an integral part of the Young Rider program, and hope for eventing's future, even if they didn't have a horse to ride in the NAJYRC. Joanie Morris of the USEF is working to get this program a headstart in 2010.

Carol Kozlowski, VP of Safety, was glad that our members were given the chance to see the progress of our research during the USEA Safety Studies Review. "This empowers the members to feel like they're being kept up to speed with where their money goes for research."

There are still a few rules regarding safety that are still on the table for discussion, including the one-fall rule. "There was a heated discussion about this rule--it's an issue that won't easily resolve itself," said Carol. She stressed that the research and information is vitally important to the next steps we take as an Association. "We need to study these statistics and find out how it's affecting safety," she added, saying that the UK used their stats to overturn the one-fall rule in their events.

Jennifer Hardwick announced that we had 364 total attendees, with the Hall of Fame celebration maxing out at 350. She also shared more information on next year's upcoming meeting at the picturesque (and hopefully warm) resort in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mike Winter, VP of Admin and Finance, gave a budget forecast, but truthfully admitted that the Association won't really be sure of its numbers until the season gets rolling in April or May of 2010.

Brian Sabo is stepping in as the VP of Membership, and hoping see a reimmergence of a relationship between the USEA and USPC. "We're helping include them in our ICP program--I think this will help bring us an exciting new membership," said Brian.

Jon Holling spoke on behalf of the PHC and said they're trying to find ways to draw more links between the long-format events and mordern-formats. "Sometimes we question how much money and effort is going into the long-format programs," said Jon. "We need to be sure to keep using this as an educational tool."

He also added that he's trying to find a way to make professionals speak up more. "We're hoping to rebuild some bridges on the professional end. We all directly affect each other--course designers, amateurs, professionals...we all want the same thing and we need to support each other. We need to bring everyone under the same tent."

There was some discussion as to the overlap of the PHC and PRO (the Professional Riders Organization, unaffiliated with the USEA). Many members thought that these two groups were one in the same because of the similar titles, and though the they have an overlap of members and some of the same concerns, the PHC is the only USEA Committee. Board members thought that if these two groups have a similarity in interests, then it would be a good idea to be communicating and working together with them. "There are minor issues of conflict, and major issues of commonality," said one Board member. "We can co-exist."