The year 2009 turned out better than I expected. The mood of the country at the end of 2008 was depressed by the plummeting economy yet hopeful that President-elect Obama would pull a rabbit out of his hat and fix things–fast.

We were good to worry. It helped us to make some difficult choices, learn what’s most important, and how to stretch our limited resources. Life goes on. Competitions were held (most of them), some even had increased entries. World Championships were held and medals were won!

This past year was certainly one of change, progress and surprise. And some turbulence dressage didn’t need. The Fédération Equestre Internationale Dressage Task Force replaced the FEI Dressage Committee, which was dismissed the prior year, and went to work.

You could feel the electricity in the air at the 2009 U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting. Held at a beautiful historic hotel in St. Petersburg, Fla., hunter and jumper enthusiasts from all levels of our sport were in attendance.

Forums, committee meetings and social events filled the agenda, and there was a great sense of purpose and excitement about our future. Our equestrians were kept well fed and watered during the long days of meetings throughout the convention, which allowed them to spend their time concentrating on the business at hand.