Lexington, KY— For the second year, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will host the Youth Convention, which will take place Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Cincinnati, OH. Held in conjunction with the USEF Annual Meeting, this one-day event features many notable speakers including experts in the equine industry and equine-related careers. The convention will unite youth from around the country and help to grow equine interest and participation. Registration is still available for the convention.
The 2009 Youth Convention will commence with a keynote address by Olympian and USEF President David O’Connor. O’Connor’s accomplishments include being a three-time Olympic medalist with an Individual Gold, a Pan American Games Team Gold Medal and a World Equestrian Games Bronze Team Medal. O’Connor’s knowledge, experience and humor will provide an inspiring start to a day designed to educate and unite the future leaders of equestrian sports.
Additionally, a Star Power Panel will bring together eight top athletes from USEF recognized breeds and disciplines, including Archie Cox (Hunter/Jumper), Robert Costello (Eventing), John Crandall (Endurance), Jim Lowry (Morgans), Devon Maitozo (Vaulting), Sue Blinks (Dressage), Mary Trowbridge (Arabians and National Show Horses) and Rob Byers (Saddlebreds). The stars of the equestrian world will be talking with convention attendees about their experiences and backgrounds as they answer questions and share their passion for horses.
Other session topics this year will include college equestrian programs and riding opportunities in college, breed and discipline presentations, a veterinary medicine discussion on colic and how the equine intestine works, horsemanship biomechanics, and attire for the show ring. The Convention will close with the Youth Sportsman’s Award presentation sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations® which will then be followed by a dinner and dance.
Registration for the one-day event will include admittance to the keynote address, choice of which panels to attend, a question and answer session with high profile equestrian athletes, as well as opportunities to gain insight from various career spokespersons and college equestrian program representatives. A light breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included with the price of registration along with a gift bag filled with merchandise and other items for each attendee.
Two sponsors have joined on as part of the 2009 Youth Convention. As part of a special grant award, the EQUUS Foundation is underwriting the costs of the breakfast and luncheon. The EQUUS Foundation was founded to raise public awareness of the value of horses in society through education and the award of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote horse welfare and elevate the equestrian sport. Also supporting the Youth Convention is the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The HSUS will provide each youth attendee a copy of their book, The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Horse Care, a horse height/weight tape and a barn poster. The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with a mission of “Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.”
To register, visit the USEF website at www.usef.org and click on the Youth Council link on the home page which will take you to the 2008 Youth Convention Registration Form. Registration forms can either be emailed or mailed to the USEF. Complete details and information on the convention are also listed in this area.
For more information on the 2008 USEF Youth Convention, please contact Joyce Hamblin, Director of National Affiliates, via e-mail at [email protected] or call (859) 225-6939.
ENDS