Lexington, KY – Plans are under way for the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Convention and registration is open, but space is limited for the convention. Already, over half of the available spots have been filled for the first annual Youth Convention, which will be held January 12 in Louisville, KY. Along with the schedule, the break-out sessions have been finalized.

The Youth Convention will feature many notable speakers, including experts in the equine industry as well as spokespersons from equine-related careers. This one-day convention will unite youth from around the country and help to grow equine interest and participation.

Some of the 2008 Youth Council Break-Out sessions include:

• Competition Management and Staff: These panelists represent some of the most experienced in managing competitions- announcing serving as a competition secretary, licensed official and horse show photographer. They represent many breeds and disciplines and have worked such prestigious competitions as World’s Grand Championships in Louisville, Kentucky; Morgan Grand Nationals and World Championships; Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Pin Oak, and numerous other shows including some competitions in foreign countries.
• Careers in the Equine Industry: Careers include an equine attorney, magazine publisher, advertising writer, marketing director at an equine organization, an executive director and former faculty member at equine organizations and university programs.
• Veterinarian and veterinarian-related careers: Multiple health careers are explored during this session, including the USEF Drugs and Medications Program, private practice, equine reproduction, research and much more.
• Top Competitions: A top high-profile show organizer will talk about putting together a high level event, the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships; a high performance rider will describe competing at these FEI level competitions from an athlete’s perspective and how to prepare.
• Riding Opportunities in College: This presentation will include how to get involved in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) programs. IHSA promotes competition for riders of any skill level regardless of financial status and students may not ride their own horses. Students compete as teams and develop sportsmanship, team enthusiasm and horsemanship.
• Getting Started: Interested in riding horses but don’t know where to start? Organizations that can get you going- the United States Pony Club, Future Farmers of America and local clubs can help you get involved.
• Special Needs: This session focuses on careers helping individuals with special needs. Marion Therapeutic Riding and Driving for the Disabled programs offer opportunities to assist individuals with special needs to grow and excel while partnering with the horse.
• Careers in Sales, Marketing and Promotion: Varied careers such as writers, editors, librarians and even photographers are just a few of the opportunities that exist within this title. Brochure design and layout, marketing strategy, press releases and finding sponsorships are some of the challenges for this group of professionals.
• Careers in Information Technology and Graphic Design: Career opportunities include website and graphic design, creation of logos, software development, and website maintenance to name only a few options. These professionals work for small family-operated horse farms to major corporations and duties vary based on the size of the operation.
• Outreach/Horse Rescue: This session features an establishment that saves horses that have been discarded. The clinician will relate how these programs work and how to set up such programs.
• Nutrition and Feed: This session includes two presenters—the first panelist is an equine nutritionist and a PhD along with being