Lexington, Kentucky – Registration is currently open for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) second Annual Youth Convention, which will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009, in Cincinnati Ohio, in conjunction with the USEF Annual Meeting. Space will be limited to the first 150 registrants. Youth athletes representing many of the Federation’s affiliates will provide their leadership and commitment to support and develop programs with their affiliates in a day-long conference culminating with a dinner and dance for attendees and USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award finalists.

The meeting will begin with a keynote address by Olympian and USEF President David O’Connor. Sessions will follow and include topics on college equestrian programs and opportunities, breed and discipline question and answer sessions, veterinary medicine and many more topics exploring the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship.

Eight top athletes from USEF recognized breeds and disciplines will participate in a Star Power Panel to talk with convention attendees about their experiences and backgrounds as they answer questions and share their enthusiasm for horses.

Forms are available on the Youth Council Web page. Please follow the "Youth Council" link on the USEF Web site at www.usef.org . For further information, please contact Joyce Hamblin, Youth Council Program Manager at jhamblin@usef.org or (859) 225-6939.