Lexington, KY— Last month, leaders of the USEF Recognized Breed Affiliates got together with USEF staff to discuss the relationship with the USEF and continued growth, development and promotion of the Breeds. The meeting, moderated by Bill Moroney, took place in conjunction with the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, TX. The meeting was just the beginning of many conversations that the USEF will have to reach the goals of the Breed Retreat, which is to continue the growth, development and promotion of the Recognized Breed Affiliates.

“We received a lot of valuable input from this Retreat so that we can start evaluating ways to improve the communication and experience for our Affiliates, our members and the competitions,” said USEF’s Assistant Executive Director of National Affiliates, Lori Nelson. “I think it was also beneficial for the Affiliates to come together to share their own experience in the industry as it related to membership numbers, registrations and marketing. We look forward to future Retreats and meetings with the group and others involved and are very excited about our renewed partnerships with our Affiliates.”

Many leaders in the Affiliate organizations serve on committees or are involved in other capacities with the USEF, but this was the first time the USEF has joined together all of the Recognized Breed Affiliate Leadership in this type of setting.

The main goals of the Retreat were to identify ways in which the Recognized Breed Affiliates and the USEF can work together to solve issues; create a competition environment which is easier to navigate for exhibitors, secretaries and competition management; identify and create avenues to simplify the relationship between the Recognized Breeds and the USEF; identify and develop other strategies which will strengthen the Recognized Breeds and participation in competitions.

Also at the Retreat, data sharing and verification was discussed along with sponsorship/marketing, and the development of different competition structures. There was also discussion about the possibilities for multi-breed competitions and many of the participants were positive about the concept and evaluating what further steps could be taken to make it happen.

All of those who attended made the commitment that both the USEF and the Recognized Breed Affiliates will work together in communication and effort to enhance the experiences for the Affiliates, the members and the competitions.

“I was very pleased with the retreat— being able to interact with other breed representatives and to listen to the concerns they have with the horse industry was a very positive experience,” said Cindy Clinton, Director, National Show Horse Registry. “I believe we picked up ideas from each other and left the retreat with a very positive attitude and excited to work together for the betterment of all. I was very pleased to hear how receptive the USEF is to our needs. They have asked us to come forward with any and all suggestions that we would like for our breed.”

Next steps include having the Affiliate leaders share the discussions with their respective organizations to receive further input. Also as next steps, the USEF staff will put together an action plan to ensure follow through of the meeting goals.

The group will continue to have teleconference meetings and an in-person meeting is scheduled June 28, 2009, in Lexington, KY.

For more information about the All Breed Retreat, please contact Lori Nelson, USEF’s Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at (859) 225-6957 or via email at [email protected].


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