U.S. Equestrian's annual meeting to bring hundreds to Palm Beach County

WEST PALM BEACH — For the first time, the annual meeting of top equestrians in the United States will be in Palm Beach County.

The yearly conference of U.S. Equestrian, the national governing body for nearly 30 breeds and disciplines, is set for Tuesday through Saturday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

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More than 300 people are expected, the organization said in a news release. This will be the first time in “many years” that the annual meeting has been moved from the Lexington, Kentucky, area where the group has its office, U.S. Equestrian President Murray Kessler said.

“West Palm Beach was an obvious choice for us,” he said. “The sunshine, cultural attractions, dining and shopping are a bonus for those who will be attending from out of town. In addition, a large number of our members and competitors are already here in the Wellington and Palm Beach area. Our goal was to increase their access and availability to this meeting.”

U.S. Equestrian members will discuss key topics in the industry, including major rule changes, the group said. The meeting also includes workshops to help grow the sport, support small businesses and improve coaching. The Pegasus Awards and AON Horse of the Year Awards ceremonies will recognize top horses and equestrians.

Palm Beach County draws thousands of people during the equestrian season as Wellington plays host to polo, dressage, show jumping and other disciplines across hundreds of acres of show grounds.

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Some 6,000 horses from about 40 countries take part in two of the largest annual competitions, the Winter Equestrian Festival and Global Dressage Festival, produced by Equestrian Sport Productions.

“Any horse person from around the world can tell you Wellington is the place to be this time of year,” Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone said.

The meeting is “another economic benefit the county will enjoy from Wellington’s international equestrian industry,” said George Linley, executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “The annual meeting translates into booked hotel rooms and local spending following the post-holiday slack period in the tourism industry.”

For more information, go to www.usef.org/annual-meeting.

kwebb@pbpost.com

@kristinawebb