The U.S. Dressage Federation Annual Convention begins today, Dec. 3, in Las Vegas, and it runs through Sunday. Every year the convention provides an opportunity for members and dressage enthusiasts to discuss the future of the organization and look back at the year. 

In addition, this year’s convention benefits from running immediately before the American Association of Equine Practitioners, also held in Vegas, meaning that numerous top veterinarians are giving presentations on footing, lameness issues and more. Those educational sessions are peppered throughout the schedule, and you can see the full list of them on the USDF website.

Some of the dressage rule change proposals of note, or at least ones likely to incite discussion before they go up for a vote at the USEF Annual Meeting in January 2016: 

1. DR 119.1 would change the date a horse can compete at Grand Prix from 7 to 8, and then for above fourth level from 6 to 7. It’s to make the USEF rules in line with FEI. 

2. DR 121.0 would no longer allow double bridles at third level. The double could only be used at fourth level and above. This was proposed by the USEF Dressage Committee, and it comes along with the explanation: “It was discussed in great length by the USEF Dressage Committee and felt that this change would be in the best interest of the sport.” 

3. Rule change proposals DR 116.0, DR 116.2 and DR. 117.7 all concern the addition of the language “willing cooperation” next to submission in the rulebook. The FEI previously considered transitioning from submission to willing cooperation, and the USEF is now possibly doing the same. The parenthesis and word “submission” will stay until the FEI makes a final decision, and it’s also there to help prevent confusion in the meantime. 

4. DR 121.7 adds neck straps to the list of prohibited equipment. 

You can see all the current proposals for dressage on the USEF website.

Important Sessions: 

—USEF Rule Change Forum: Happening today at noon, local time. This is where discussion on the rule change proposals will take place. 

—Competition Open Forum and Q&A: Happening Friday at 9:15 a.m. 

—Board Of Governors Meeting: Affectionately termed “the BOG,” it starts Friday at 1:30 p.m., and then it continues into Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. (They’ll break for dinner and to sleep, of course.) This is where the meat of the governance occurs. 

—The Salute Gala And Annual Awards Banquet: It’s a party where people get awards! What could be better than that? It begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. 

See the full schedule on the USDF website and make sure to check back on Monday to hear what was discussed in all the sessions.