July 29, 2003 - Join us in Boston and go back to the future for this year's USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. The USEA and Area I are busy planning what promises to be the best annual meeting yet, celebrating the sport of eventing in the U.S. from its roots in New England to its heroes past and present.

Back due to popular demand (and with an impressive list of inductees) is the USEA's Eventing Hall of Fame, which will take place Saturday evening. Those who attended the inaugural event at the 1999 annual meeting will fondly remember the initiation of eventing greats, both horse and human, that included on the human side: Neil Ayer, Major General Jonathan Burton, John Fritz, Edward Harris, Jack LeGoff, and Alexander Mackay-Smith; and representing the equine contingent: Jenny Camp and Grasshopper. Though the names of this year's inductees are a closely held secret, we can promise an evening of laughter and tears as they take their place in the annals of eventing history. And in true eventing style, the induction ceremony will be followed by dancing into the wee hours, so make sure to purchase tickets early, as this event is sure to sell out.

While the true goal of the convention is education (seminars) and legislation (board and committee meetings), there will still be lots of time for socializing. In addition to the Hall of Fame ceremony, other evening activities include Thursday night's Board of Governors' Reception, sponsored by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the USEA's new Partner in the Development of Equine Health. The reception is a great way to kick off the convention, catch up with old friends and meet USEA board members.

On Friday night, Area I has arranged to have everyone picked up at the Sheraton by Beantown trolleys (a Boston tradition) and delivered to the New England Aquarium, where you can munch on tasty hors d'oeuvres while surrounded by a variety of sea creatures including thousands of tropical fish, moray eels, giant sea turtles, and several different species of penguins. Don't forget to bring your checkbook so you can bid on Area I's impressive array of silent auction items, and if you're feeling particularly philanthropic, you can even adopt a penguin!

Saturday afternoon begins with the USEA High Score Year-End and Appreciation Awards Luncheon, graciously sponsored for a second year by Maui Jim Sunglasses. This is another event that fills quickly, so make sure to purchase tickets early so you can join the USEA in celebrating the success of horses and riders from all levels of competition, as well as the efforts of the sport's most dedicated supporters. Competitors who win year-end awards will receive 12-month memberships to The Digital Horse (www.TheDigitalHorse.com). This year will also be the debut of the Christine E. Stafford Eventing Groom of the Year Award, jointly sponsored by Christine Stafford and Nunn Finer. The awards luncheon will once again be hosted by master emcee, Jim Wofford. Jim was a key member of the U.S. Equestrian Team's eventing squad for two decades, during which time he was named to four Olympic teams, winning two team silver medals and four national championships.

Make sure to bring good luck (and all your spare cash) to Boston for a chance to win a brand new Stackhouse saddle, the grand prize in the wildly popular USEA Raffle and Auction, sponsored yet again by long-time USEA supporter John Nunn of Bit of Britain and Nunn Finer. Additional raffle and auction items (last year there were more than 80) range from tack and equipment, boots and clothing, jewelry, art, and event entries from all over the country.

The "annual meeting" portion of the weekend will be held after the awards luncheon. This is where the membership takes care of association business, bids a fond farewell to board members ending their tenure, and welcomes their replacements. After attending to those details, in keeping with the meeting's theme of "Back to the Future," the audience will then be treated to a video retrospective celebrating Area I as the birthplace of eventing in the U.S. This will be followed by a special presentation of "The Road to Athens" with Captain Mark Phillips, the USET eventing squad Chef d'Equipe, and Jim Wolf, USET Director of Games Preparation and Athlete Services and Director of Eventing.

And of course you can't forget the true purpose of the convention-the many meetings and seminars. Industry professionals are lined up to speak on a variety of topics that will appeal to the USEA's many constituents.

Anyone interested in the sponsorship, marketing, and promotion of eventing should make sure to attend the presentation by John Walsh, senior vice president and executive editor of ESPN, Inc., with George Strawbridge of the National Steeplechase Association, and Robert Prazmark of the International Management Group.

Organizers can discover some tips on "Care and Feeding of Volunteers," cross-country footing solutions, and budget management.

Riders will have the opportunity to work on their physical fitness with four-star competitor Darren Chiacchia, including a workout session one morning; have their helmet and vest safety checked by John Nunn of Bit of Britain and Nunn Finer; get advice on "Buying the Event Horse" with Jane Hamlin and David Hopper; and then find out about "Pre-purchase: What Can We Live With? At What Level?" with several prominent veterinarians, including FEI Veterinary Delegate Dr. Cathy Kohn. Suzi Gornall, Jane Hamlin, and Carol Kozlowski will walk everyone through a virtual clinic, critiquing videotaped rides at novice, training, and preliminary level. And if that doesn't motivate everyone to set new goals, a sports psychologist will offer tips on improving your training and competition performance.

Rounding out the impressive list of topics, speakers will be on hand to discuss land conservancy, cross-country course design, breeding and bloodlines, and careers in the horse industry. And finally, eventing legend and visionary, Denny Emerson, will team up with Peter Campot to address a topic vital to the future of the sport, "Thinking Outside of the Start Box: Thoughts on Changing the Sport to Encourage More Participation."

And don't forget to support our annual meeting sponsors, including gold level sponsor Nutrena Feeds, Bit of Britain and Nunn Finer, The Grayson Jockey Club Foundation, Maui Jim Sunglasses, and The Digital Horse.

The meeting will be held December 11-14 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Boston. Many of the Sheraton's 1,214 guest rooms and suites feature spectacular views of Boston and the Charles River. This location is ideal, adjacent to the Prudential Center and Copley Place Mall, with a multiplex theater and over 200 shops and restaurants accessible via an indoor walkway. To take advantage of group rates, hotel reservations must be made by November 5. Call (800) 325-3535 or (617) 236-2000.

Check our website www.useventing.com and Eventing USA for future updates on the convention.