Chris Welton just moved into the corner office of the U.S. Equestrian Federation headquarters six months ago as the new CEO, but he knew coming into the USEF Annual Meeting, held Jan. 14-17 in Lexington, Ky., that that excuse wasn’t going to hold water.

For the first time in 10 years the budget was showing a deficit instead of a surplus. Federation growth and income has plateaued. And the national disciplines and breeds affiliates were feeling restless over a government restructure last year that left them with less representation on the board of directors.

A year ago, overmedication in the horse show world dominated conversations at the U.S. Equestrian Federation Annual Meeting as the membership reeled from a Dec. 27, 2012, New York Times article by Walt Bogdanich titled, “Sudden Death of Show Pony Clouds Image of Elite Pursuit.”

US Equestrian Federation leaders started a candid conversation with members on drugs and the show ring in the first of seven town hall meetings.

While rule changes are the focus of the annual U.S. Equestrian Federation meeting, it’s also a rare opportunity for horseman from all different backgrounds to get together and talk about issues that affect all horses.

Boyd Martin’s Neville Bardos ended a dramatic season full of despair and exhilaration on a high note. The 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred was named the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Horse Of The Year in international disciplines.