United States Eventing Association

As the eventing season starts to wind down in most parts of the country, the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to shift focus to governance and education at this year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you’re still on the fence about making the trip, the newly unveiled schedule of open forum meetings, presentations from industry experts, and celebrations of another fantastic year of sport is sure to seal the deal.

On Dec. 11-14, the USEA and its membership will convene in the Sheraton New Orleans hotel to reflect on 2025 and formulate new ideas and policies for the future. The Convention will begin one day early for the Board of Governors and senior USEA staffers for a closed USEA Strategic Planning Meeting. Then, on Thursday, Dec. 11, the event will officially kick off with several exciting educational seminars and the first of two Board of Governors meetings, with the second of which capping off the event at its close on Sunday, Dec. 14.

There is so much to do at this year’s event that it can’t even be covered in one article! Keep reading to learn about several featured sessions on Thursday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 12, and click here to view the full event schedule. Stay tuned for more speaker highlights in the coming weeks!

Are you registered to attend yet? Click here to complete your Convention Registration form today on the USEA’s new online services platform, HorseConnect. The registration form will allow you to select your registration type, along with several add-on options, like additional tickets for the Annual Meeting of Members Luncheon & Keynote Address, registration for the Show Jumping Seminar and seating at the USEA Annual Awards Dinner.

Show Jumping Course Design Seminar | Chris Barnard

Thursday, Dec. 11 at 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET in Napoleon B1

Would you like to know more about what it takes to design show jumping courses for eventing? Whether it is a top-quality, upper-level track or an inviting introduction to the sport, Chris Barnard will help you break down the fundamentals of what constitutes good course design. Barnard, who is an FEI Level 2 and National ‘R’ Jumping Course Designers, will lead the classroom style discussion on course design theory, footing management, best practices, and more!

This seminar is open to anyone with an interest in the subject, but it also fulfills the USEF’s Continuing Education Clinic requirement for ‘R’ Eventing Jumping Course Desings (EVJCD) and serves as the Training Program for anyone wishing to obtain a new ‘R’ EVJCD license. Finally, attending the seminar will count as two USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) continuing education general credits for currently licensed coaches.

Feeding for the Performance Horse, Presented by Nutrena | Alex Brannon, M.S. PAS

Friday, Dec. 12 at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET in Napoleon C2

Alex Brannon, Equine Specialist and Field Representative for Cargill Animal Nutrition, brings a wealth of expertise to his presentation on fueling your horse with practical efficiencies and the new technologies of today’s feed. Using Nutrena Feeds as an example, Brannon will explain various technologies and types of feed that are made to help your horse build muscle, improve digestive health, or other special needs based on your situation. With a deep understanding of feed technology and its impact on performance and wellness, Brannon is committed to advancing equine care through science-based education and practical insight.

How Advances in Genetics Hold the Promise to Make Horses Healthier, Presented by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation | Molly McCue, DVM, MS, PhD

Friday, Dec. 12 at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET in Napoleon B3

Dr. Molly McCue is a Professor of Equine Internal Medicine and Genetics at the University of Minnesota, where she leads the Equine Genetics and Genomics Laboratory. A board-certified specialist with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Dr. McCue’s work focuses on advancing our understanding of equine health through cutting-edge research in genetics and genomics. Dr. McCue’s lab uses the latest molecular genetics and genomics tools to study complex genetic disease, physiological variation, and genetic diversity in equine populations. Their goals are to improve equine health through the understanding of complex genetic disease, allowing veterinarians to better predict, diagnose, and treat genetic disease. Learn more about Dr. McCue’s research and how it can benefit your horse’s health at the Annual Meeting & Convention!

Are You Feeding Your Horse the Right Supplements – or Wasting Your Money? | Dr. Carey Williams

Friday, Dec. 11 at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET in Napoleon B

Join Dr. Carey Williams, Equine Extension Specialist at Rutgers University, for an engaging and practical talk on how to choose supplements for your horse wisely. Learn which supplements are truly beneficial, which are unnecessary, and how to evaluate products for joint health, digestion, hooves, behavior, and more. Whether you're a casual rider or a competitive eventer, this session will help you make more informed decisions to support your horse’s health and performance—without overloading their feed tub or your wallet!

How Safe is Your Space? Fire Prevention Starts Here | Retired Chief Frank Rodgers and Lt. Jennifer Rodgers

Friday, Dec. 11 at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET in Napoleon C2

Is your barn protected from the risk of fire? Retired Fire Chief, Frank Rodgers, and Retired Lieutenant, Jennifer Rodgers, are here to help ensure both you and your horses are safe on your property. In addition to serving with distinction at the Wilmette Fire Department for over 20 years, Lt. Rodgers also owns and trains at her own All Clear Farm, which she operates in Area III and IV, working with riders and horses to produce them up through the CCI3* level of eventing. Chief Rodgers, on the other hand, has over 50 years of experience as a Certified Fire Inspector, instructor at the Northen Illinois Public Safety Training Academy, and a technical rescue leader. Today, the husband-and-wife duo applies their extensive fire service knowledge to a new passion: equine fire safety. Their mission is to help the equine community understand fire hazards, adopt preventative strategies, and safeguard both horses and facilities.

Mastering the 2026 Dressage Tests | Marilyn Payne, Jane Hamlin, Sally Ike, & Valerie Vizcarrando Pride

Friday, Dec. 12 at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET in Napoleon B3

If you plan to compete in a recognized event in 2026, there’s a high probability that you will need to memorize a new dressage test for your level. This year, an expert panel of some of the sport’s most knowledgeable officials came together to rewrite the eventing dressage tests, and now, they will lead a panel discussion at the Convention to help you better understand the changes. Discover what’s new for your test in 2026 in this interactive seminar led by Jane Hamlin and panelists Marilyn Payne, Sally Ike, and Valerie Vizcarrando Pride. This is a must-attend session for riders, their trainers, and judges alike.

From Sidelines to Timelines: Social Media Made Simple | Rayanne Harmon & Halliea Milner

Friday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ET in Napoleon B3

Learn how to make social media work for your equestrian business with a practical overview of Facebook, Instagram, and Google. This session will cover how to choose the right platform, set up a professional business page, and understand the key differences between personal profiles and business accounts. Harmon and Milner will also explore what organic growth really means, why reach has declined, and how simple, low-cost ads can help your business get discovered by more riders in your area along with statistics from recent ads with high returns on investment. 

Area V Welcome Reception & “Beyond the Arena” Short Film Viewing, Hosted by Area V & the USEA Foundation | Jonathan Holling

Friday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. PT in Armstrong Foyer

Kick off the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention with our hosts in Area V in the Armstrong Foyer at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel! Enjoy delicious food and drink with your fellow eventing enthusiasts while we welcome you to the vibrant culture of New Orleans. During the welcome reception, Jonathan Holling, an accomplished five-star eventer and coach, will show his film, “Beyond the Arena,” which catalogues his life in the industry and supports the USEA’s Frangible Technology Fund.

If you have any questions about the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 11-14, please contact Jennifer Hardwick, by email at [email protected] or by phone (703) 779-0440, ext. 3003.

About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

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 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Dec. 11—14. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.

The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, ARMA, Bates Saddles, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, PulseVet, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.