Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

Convention in a nutshell. Photos by Leslie Threlkeld. Convention in a nutshell. Photos by Leslie Threlkeld.

Where to begin about the USEA Convention…It’s a whole lot of meetings and a whole lot of socializing, but it’s worth it to attend to be both a participant in the management and improvement of the sport and to celebrate your fellow eventers. Sadly, it rained pretty much the whole time and the wind blew like a hurricane, kicking up the ocean waves and keeping us mostly inside, but the weather didn’t dampen our spirits. Still, I absolutely refused to leave without feeling the sand between my bare toes for at least a few moments, so I hauled all my luggage out to the beach with me, kicked off my shoes and breathed in salty air. Thanks to the USEA for another great Convention. If you haven’t had Convention on your calendar in the past, plan to meet EN in Long Beach next December. Go Eventing.

Monday News and Notes:

The 2016 USEA Annual Meeting concluded yesterday with a meeting of the Board of Governors. Carol Kozlowski opened her first BOG meeting as President, Dr. Suzanne Smith gave an update on the Collapsible Fence Study, Harold Eichell spoke about the success of the fundraiser efforts of the USEA Foundation, and we’re delighted that USEA CEO Rob Burk was given the go ahead to receive a proposal from sports data experts EquiRatings, whose Saturday seminar was one of the most popular of the entire Convention. The hope is that EquiRatings will work with U.S. Eventing to improve safety. Finally, the BOG voted on the locations of the 2018 and 2019 Conventions and they are two great picks! [Click here for more]

As part of the USEA Collapsible Fence Study, Dr. Suzanne Smith created a survey for horse owners to help establish a population for their rotational fall simulator. The survey collects measurements of horses and riders to be used as realistic data in the study. The response to the survey was good but it could be better. I bet EN readers can help. [Take the survey]

Last week we featured an exercise from Jim Wofford’s book “Modern Gymnastics: Systematic Training for Jumping Horses” in a staff edition of What’s In Your Ring? You can order the book from the Equine Network store but you can also learn more about gymnastics through the Jim Wofford Jumping Academy at AIMEquineU.com. Right now you can use the code EVENTING40 for a 40% discount! [Enroll in Jim Wofford’s Jumping Academy]

The (FEI) was named the International Sports Federation of the Year during the recent 2016 International Sports Awards. This award “recognizes” the work of the international governing body for equestrian sport, including its leadership in integrity and governance.” While the creative but really odd Billy to Rio and Hoofloose projects had horse people scratching their heads a bit, the FEI’s #TwoHearts campaign received high praise as a successful social media endeavor and is said to be the best ever promotional campaign pursued by the FEI. [Sports Federation of the Year]

Monday Video: Go back in the barn with Mighty Nice, the 2016 Jump for Joy USEA Overall Horse of the Year, through some great interviews by the USEF Network during Rolex in April.