United States Eventing Association

I apologize for the delay in posting this week’s advent calendar “gifts” – with sole concentration on the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, this little project was moved to the backburner. Rest assured, we have hours upon hours of video coverage for you all to enjoy, and will be posting these throughout the next several days, so be sure to check back. In the meantime, here are four main themes that resonated strongly at this year’s Meeting:

1.) Leadership – As USEA President Kevin Baumgardner passed his proverbial torch to incoming President Brian Sabo this weekend, the overall feeling was one of hope. Kevin has been one of the best leaders we’ve ever had during an incredibly tumultuous time in our sport. The intimidating coupling of the economic recession and a public eye on safety could have left many leaders struggling, but Kevin tackled each issue with the tenacity that eventers are known for. After devoting hundreds and hundreds of hours of his life during the past three years to keep the USEA on the straight path to success, Kevin can now hand over the reins to Brian after such an inspiring tenure.

Brian’s speech to the members at the Saturday Annual Meeting proved that we’d made the right decision in electing him as our new leader. After commending Kevin on his outstanding leadership (“I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” he said), Brian gave one of the most uplifting and morale-boosting speeches I’ve heard in quite a while. Brian has an impressive resume in eventing, having served in nearly every role imaginable during the past few decades. He went through each of these roles (top level rider, coach, parent, organizer, etc.) sharing his own personal experiences—“I can relate to all of you.” Brian was also extremely adamant about one important issue that’s plagued the eventing world during the past few years—there’s no “us versus them.” ‘YOU are the powers that be. There isn’t any strange cabal hiding somewhere that makes decisions, other than us. As Kevin said before me, and I’ll say the same, if you want to get something done—volunteer,” said Brian.

We will have Brian’s speech on the USEA site shortly, and we hope you’re are all as equally excited about the future with Brian, but also grateful to Kevin for all the time he’s given to the USEA, fighting an uphill battle at times to ensure the success of our sport. Surely, the eventing community has some of the most dedicated and passionate volunteers of any organization.

2.) Enthusiasm – I don’t know if it was the incredibly relaxing atmosphere of the resort, or the soul-warming weather in Arizona, but this weekend’s Convention was such a positive experience. Meeting up with friends from across the country, putting faces with familiar names, and brainstorming with the best of the best is always invigorating. Though the days can be long, and emotions can run high, at the end of the day, we’re all on the same team. The ties that bind all the factions in our sport together are unbreakable—though various discrepancies threaten to come between us, we remain steadfast. Everyone will always have their own passions and it’s an incredible, but rewarding, challenge to stay united…which brings me to my third point…

3.) Volunteerism & Community – Let’s fact it. There would be no eventing without volunteers. There would be no jump judges and other volunteers (no events), as well as no Board members or President (no USEA)…the list is endless.

One of the fastest growing and most exuberant group of members and volunteers are the adult riders. If you’re an adult rider, and aren’t yet involved in your Area Adult Rider program, then you’re missing out—be sure to check out the Adult Rider page to get the scoop. The USEA Adult Riders from across the country are an incredibly dedicated group of folks who are fiercely protective of the sport—they serve in all aspects to keep eventing alive and well…as professional riders and coaches, organizers, officials, and adult amateurs. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all work, work, work for these guys…the Adult Riders are known for their merry making and their fondness for laughter-filled tailgates and potlucks at events. Though they revel in jovial gatherings, they’re quick to volunteer for committees, and roll up their sleeves to get things done.

Kevin, himself an active adult amateur, spoke at this year’s Adult Rider Open Forum, sharing his experience of how he got involved in the sport, and eventually made his journey towards the USEA Presidency. “It all starts with volunteerism. If you want to get involved and make a difference, then volunteer,” he said. Being a backseat quarterback is pointless—if you want to see your ideas reach fruition, then step up to the plate and take action. Don’t know where to begin? The easiest way is to get started in your own Area – check out the list of Area contacts.

Plus, now is the time of year when each Area has their Annual Meeting—a great chance to network and get involved locally. I’m personally planning on attending the Area II Annual Meeting which is conveniently in Leesburg, Virginia this year. Are you going to your Area’s meeting?

One final thought – if you had any doubts as to how passionate the Adult Riders are about volunteering… each of the ten Adult Rider Area Coordinators were in attendance at this year’s Meeting…pretty impressive! (Right: All ten Adult Rider Area Coordinators…in one room!)

4.) Safety – For the past several years, this word has been on the forefront of everyone’s minds, and this year was no exception especially as two hot topics were: Helmets and Concussions. I’m sure nearly everyone is aware by now, but the association is very confident the “helmet rule” will go into effect in the near future. The helmet rule would require that all competitors wear improved helmets at all times when mounted at an event—therefore, no more hunt caps in dressage or hacking at the show grounds. Period. Of course, this would be at the national level only—it’s yet to be determined is the FEI would also consider this rule. (Although, interestingly enough, someone mentioned that the FEI would probably consider requiring air vests, in combination with normal body protectors, before they would ban top hats in dressage!).

Also, the USEA recorded the Helmet Fitting Seminar on Sunday morning, which was presented by Charles Owen. It was incredibly informative, and we hope it will be a useful tool for members before they purchase new helmets. It will be posted on the website in the next few days.

Additionally, another safety idea that was brought up this weekend were the Educational Horsemanship Clinics, proposed by Max Corcoran in the Professional Horseman’s Council. The USEA is hoping to provide an online “database” of sorts with all sorts of educational videos and articles about conditioning and horsemanship, and we’re looking forward to working with the PHC on this project.

Photos: USEA staff.