The United States Equestrian Federation’s Board of Directors held its annual mid-year meeting on June 24 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, KY. Several important decisions regarding the immediate future of the Federation’s governance were addressed, as well as important and exciting marketing initiatives and the designation of the first horse show to receive the new “Heritage” designation.

Current President David O’Connor was re-elected for a second four-year term. O’Connor was direct in pointing out that he felt that there was work left to be done. He said, “I am excited about new opportunities for the Federation, and want to be a part of the effort and welcome the challenges that lie ahead.”

Another topic that drew great interest was the designation of the first “Heritage Competition” upon the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show held each year in Katy, TX. According to the USEF Competition Licensing system a “Heritage Competition designation is reserved for those competitions within the sport of equestrian that have been established for a long period of time and have made a substantial contribution toward development and promotion of the sport of equestrian, both within the sport and within the broader community, by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.” (GR301.6)

Requirements to be considered for such an honor include an application by the competition licensee; recommendation by USEF/CEO; approval by USEF affiliate primarily represented by the competition; approval by the USEF Executive Committee; approval of the USEF Board of Directors at the annual or mid-year meeting; a minimum of 25 consecutive years of operation (excluding any act of God interruptions); significant involvement and support from the community where the competition is held; significant contribution to promotion of the sport of equestrian; and wide recognition within the sport of equestrian as being a national or international level of competition, or possessing other characteristics that make it unique with the sport of equestrian.

Another item that created widespread interest and discussion was the unveiling of a four-year, or “quad” budget plan. With this plan the USEF Board of Directors was able to view the long range financial impact of their strategic objectives. This glimpse into the future allowed for a very interactive discussion of program needs versus available resources. At the conclusion, a preliminary draft budget for 2009 was approved.

The next meeting of the USEF Board will take place at the USEF Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH, in January.

ENDS