Calling all Starz of the Future! Who exactly are we talking about? We are inviting all young equestrians, specifically those under 21 years of age, to the second annual Youth Council Convention; however, you're only as old as you act so we extend our invitation to all ages (including parents).

The "Starz of the Future: Second Annual Youth Council Convention" will be held in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation annual meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 17, 2009. The convention's emphasis is to educate youth about all the different breeds and disciplines affiliated with USEF, whereas last year the focus was on careers within the equine industry.

This is a great opportunity for endurance youth to be ambassadors of our sport and broaden their equine horizons. The rest of the equestrian community is amazed -- they can't believe that our horses can go so that far, as fast as they do, and still have energy left at the end. Likewise, it is exciting to learn about all the other equine disciplines, which can help us become better at endurance.

Star of the Day and keynote speaker David O'Connor, an Olympic gold medalist and president of the USEF, will share great advice for our young starz.

The Starz of the Future and Present will make a cosmic explosion during the Star Power Panel. Young equestrians will have an opportunity to interact with the following high profile athletes: Archie Cox (Hunter/Jumper), Robert Costello (Eventing), John Crandell III (Endurance), Jim Lowry (Morgans), Devon Maitozo (Vaulting), Sue Blinks (Dressage), Mary Trowbridge (Arabians and National Show Horses) and Rob Byers (American Saddlebreds).

The NCAA and College Programs workshops will give our attendees some insight into their equine educational options.

A new workshop at convention is "Glass Horse Colic," where a veterinarian will use this computer program to explain one of the most prevalent and fatal equine complications.

Colleen Kelly, who started her equestrian career in endurance, will be presenting a stimulating workshop on the biomechanics of riding. This workshop could be the key to helping you become a better rider, in turn helping your horse complete endurance rides in better condition.

A new addition will be a workshop specifically designed for the parents. A speaker will talk about the exhilaration and woes of being a horse parent.

In addition to these excellent workshops, we are currently planning other fun and informational sessions.

The day will conclude with the glamorous Sportsman's Charter award presentation followed by dinner and dancing. Time for the starz to party!

Due to the success of the first annual Youth Council convention, registration is increased to 150 participants. Registration can be found here.

If you have any questions about the convention, contact program manager Joyce Hamblin at 859-225-6939. Because of limited space, early sign-up will ensure you a place among the starz!

Kirsten's note: I would love to talk to any endurance youth interested in coming to the upcoming Youth Council event. It would be really cool to get a ton of endurance youth at this event to help show the equestrian world how much fun endurance is. It was a blast last year, and it is going to be even bigger and better in 2009! My contact information is on page 2 of each issue of Endurance News -- look under "International."