New Orleans

The holiday season will be soon upon us and the dressage world will be very busy.  Things start off just after Thanksgiving with the USDF Convention in New Orleans.  This year we will be staying at the Sheraton on Canal Street in the Famous French Quarter.  The Awards Gala on Saturday night is to be a masquerade ball! I am so excited and lucky to be attending this year.  I applied for one of the USDF Youth Convention scholarships and won 1000$ to help cover all my costs of attending.  I would advise all junior and young riders to apply next year!  There are USDF Youth Convention Scholarships and also USDF Region Convention Scholarships.  It is definitely worth the application process and paper you write after the convention. 

     USDF Region 9 and the local members of the Southern Eventing and Dressage Association (SED) will be our hosts and they have a great agenda for us.  The social highlights are a welcome party on Thursday, the spirit of New Orleans dinner and tour on Friday and the gala and awards banquet on Saturday.  There will be committee meetings and education sessions daily.  For a full schedule of educational and committee meetings check out the agenda and education listings on the usdf.org site.  

     Personally, I can’t wait to hear on Saturday “Looking Back at London” a perspective on the Olympics by those who were there.  I also am interested on Friday to hear about the new rule changes in the USEF Rule Change Forum.  Finally, the Youth Education (on improving fitness) and Programs Open Forums on Saturday are a must.  While you are there don’t forget to drop into the silent auction and help support USDF programs and “Laissez les bon temps rouler.”