United States Eventing Association

Three quick, simple, but awesome little gifts today…consider it the Easy Mac day of this Advent Calendar. USEA Area Annual Meetings, darling ponies, and a horsemanship wishlist from a top eventer are the topics of the day.

This adorable little pipsqueak named Tidbit won the Three Days Three Ways “Thelwell Look-alike-Contest.” Wouldn’t you like him as a stocking stuffer? Read more about it here.

Denny Emerson (left) is listing out his “Horsemanship Goals for Kids” on the Tamarack Hill Facebook page… sort of a “bucket list” for eventers. How many have you done? Here are just a few:

Horsemanship goals for kids, No. 32. Learn to drive a tractor. It will add enormously to your usefulness around any horse farm.

Horsemanship goals for kids, No. 26. Try to get the chance to be a scribe for a dressage judge. Even "towering figures" in the horse world, like General Burton, will be happy to help you learn.

Horsemanship goals for kids, No. 24 Become involved, either as a volunteer, or paid, in helping to run shows or events. The perspective from "the other side" is very different.

Horsemanship challenge for kids, No. 21 Whatever your sport, learn its history, riders, horses, traditions. Your sport didn`t just happen, ready made for your enjoyment. Learn more, be ignorant less!

Mark Your Calendars! As much as I hate that cliché term, please be sure to do this…the USEA Area Annual Meeting season is upon us. So, get the details from your Area folks and show up, volunteer, and take an active role in our sport next year. If you’re already planning to do this…then kudos to you, and bring a friend!

Area I - Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in West Springfield, MA: Information & registration page.

Area II - Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, at the Holiday Inn at Carradoc Hall in Leesburg, VA: registration page, description, tentative schedule, Facebook page with more info.

Area III – I’m stumped…I’ve dug all over the Area III website, and I can’t find any information about an Annual Meeting. Perhaps they’ve already had one? First person to provide me with the correct answer wins a USEA sticker (exciting, I know).

Area IV – Looks like they’re planning for an early February meeting – stay tuned to the Area IV Facebook page and the Area IV website for upcoming details.

Area V – Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, TX: registration form.

Area VI – Friday-Sunday, Feb. 4-6 at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA: More info will be posted here.

Area VII – Saturday, Jan. 22 at Portland Downtown Hilton in Portland, OR: Info here.

Area VIII – Sunday, Jan. 9 at Majestic Farm in Batavia, OH: Will be held in conjunction with a Becky Holder clinic, Directions, Info & Registration

Area IX – Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 4-5 at Elk’s Lodge & Eppson Center in Laramie, WY: Info here.

Area X – The Area X Annual Meeting & Awards were held in conjunction with the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Scottsdale, AZ last week. If you missed it, contact the Area X coordinators to get the inside scoop!