A Necessary Evil: USEF Board of Directors Meeting is Long, Tiring, But Rewarding

Photos and Article by Diana DeRosa

It’s hard to say that attending a USEF Convention is fun because in fact it means spending a lot of time in meetings listening to discussions, debates or presentations.  There are awards ceremonies and speeches and the historic (and long) Board of Director’s Meetings.  By the last day it’s clear by eyes at half mast and even closed (at times) that everyone in attendance was sorely in need of a good night’s sleep.  That said, it is an event I never miss because I come away feeling like I have my finger on the pulse.  After hearing so many people talk about the issues it gives you a sense of being closer to the disciplines and breeds across the board.  In addition, seeing the strides the organization has made since the past two groups merged has created a strength and unity that has allowed the USEF to turn a new corner.

Since the final day was all about the Board of Directors meeting which means you jump from topic to topic, this final report will also be mimicking that concept and so if I switch gears midstream you’ll know why.

To being with, one of the huge strides made by the organization was the creation of a Youth Group which has proven to be a huge success on many levels.  This year they held their first Convention with over 100 in attendance and their goal is to continue to grow.   At present the board does not have a seat for a Youth representative.  However, that is expected to change in the future.

This year a youth was able to sit at the Board round table because of a disappointing departure of the National Reining Horse Association from the Board.  However, David O’Connor quickly made it clear that despite the fact that the NRHA is no longer an affiliate organization to the USE, the hope is that they will return.  One sneak peek into the fact that there was one less Western group on board was a reduced number of cowboy hats at this year’s Convention.