United States Equestrian Federation, Inc The National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport High Performance
P.O. Box 83 • Pottersville Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934 Phone: (908) 234-0848 • Fax: (908) 234-9417
www.usef.org
December 11, 2012
Dear Riders and Owners, Earlier this fall at the rider meetings in Southampton and LA (and most recently at the USHJA Annual Convention in Miami), I had the opportunity to present the framework for our strategic plan over the next four years. I want to thank everybody who participated in the annual convention last week in Miami, but for those who were una- ble to attend, the following is a brief overview of the highlights of my address to the USHJA membership:
A Four-Year Plan:
In order to achieve optimum results in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, we need to utilize all available resources for the full quadrennium. As I explained in Miami, we can’t wait 3½ years and then expect a “Tin Cup” selection process to achieve the desired results at the last minute.
Similar to what “Coach K” (Mike Krzyzewski) did for USA Basketball, there has to be “buy-in” both from the “A” Team and the “A30” riders (30 & under) during the full lead-up period to the World Equestrian Games and the Olympic Games.
Using the basketball analogy, it is important to have a plan for “the starters”, while emphasizing the development of a strong bench. Whenever possible, a 3/2 scenario for teams (A/A30) will provide the best interaction between the veterans and the future generation of our sport.
The “Gladstone” Ethic
There’s the right way…and the short cut! In the former, it all boils down to having a plan, doing your homework and sticking with it. For the previous 57 years under the leadership of Bert, Frank and George, our top riders always exemplified the essence of the “Gladstone” system. That focus will remain unchanged in the coming years.
The Nations Cup Series
As a consequence of the new FEI Nations Cup Series for 2013, we will be able to prioritize qualifying for the Nations Cup Final, while still maintaining the emphasis on developing our sport here in North America. Unlike during the Super League era when the European Nations Cup tour spanned eight events throughout the entire summer, we will now be able to concentrate our focus (for the purposes of qualifying) on two events: CSIO Wellington (March) & CSIO Spruce Meadows (June). For specific strategic and developmental purposes however, we will continue to compete in select European international CSI’s and CSIO’s throughout the quadrennium.
Fitness of Horse and Rider
It is crucial that rider fitness be prioritized to the same extent as the horse’s fitness and competitive “peaking” program.
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