High-Tailing It To Houston
Each year, the USDF membership and governance representatives come together in early December for the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention. Here, the most important business of the organization is conducted, important decisions are made, vital information is shared, future leaders are elected, dignitaries are recognized, and the past year of dressage in the US is celebrated. We couldn’t be more excited to bring the 2024 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention to Houston, in Region 9's great state of Texas!
While the business, education, and special events that make up the convention agenda account for much of the attendees’ week’s activities, we would be remiss not to highlight many of the amazing extracurricular opportunities Houston and the area have to offer.
The Galleria
Located directly next to our host hotel and nestled between two of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods, The Galleria is Texas’ largest and most luxurious shopping destination. Welcoming over 30 million visitors each year, The Galleria features an array of shopping choices from H&M and Urban Outfitters to Neiman Marcus, CHANEL, Tiffany & Co., and more, to restaurants ranging from fine dining, such as Nobu, Fig & Olive, and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, to casual favorites such as Blanco Tacos + Tequila, The Cheesecake Factory, and Shake Shack. In addition to the plethora of food and shopping options, other amenities include a full-size ice rink, a state-of-the-art children’s play area, two swimming pools, beauty salons, and more.
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Located under one mile from the host hotel, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is one of Houston’s most beloved and iconic landmarks, serving as a community centerpiece for all ages. According to Uptown Houston, “to stand in the Waterwall’s mist and be enveloped by the gentle roar of cascading water” and “walking along the lush canopy of towering live oak trees” make for one of the city’s most memorable and inspiring experiences. While visiting the Waterwall, guests are encouraged to enjoy nearby restaurants such as 51fifteen and Caracol, which also feature special events and menus for the holidays!
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Located 2.3 miles from the host hotel, on the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center features five miles of nature trails, six education field stations, eight ponds and wetland areas, and a Nature Center Building for all to enjoy. The nature trails wind through native prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland, and riparian habitats. When visiting the Nature Center, nature lovers can shop for nature-themed items from the Nature Shop, while also visiting the interactive Discovery Room that houses education exhibits, hands-on activities, live ambassador animals, biofacts, and a weekly botany display. This is a must- visit for the horse – and nature - lover in all of us!
Just a Short Drive
For those looking to explore a little more of what the city has to offer, there are a number of exciting things to do within driving distance of the host hotel, including visits to the Houston Theater District, the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo, and Space Center Houston, to name a few!
The Houston Theater District is a 17-block area in the heart of downtown, home to Houston’s nine professional performing arts organizations. With nearly 13,000 seats for live performances, ranking second in the US for a concentrated downtown area, Houston is also one of only five cities in the US with permanent professional resident companies in each of the major performing arts disciplines of ballet, opera, symphony, and theater productions.
The Downtown Aquarium, billed as ‘An Underwater Adventure,’ is home to over 300 species of aquatic life from around the globe, along with marine and geographic exhibits, shopping, and a variety of amusements. The full-service restaurant, upscale bar, and fully equipped ballroom make this a perfect destination for visitors of all ages!
Sitting on 55 acres in the heart of Houston, the Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 permanent residents from around the globe, including gorillas, giraffes, elephants, storks, tortoises, and much more. With daily schedules of talks, feedings, and demonstrations, as well as animal encounter options available, the Houston Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers!
One of Houston’s top attractions, Space Center Houston is the world’s leading science and human space exploration learning center. Welcoming nearly 1.25 million visitors annually into their 250,000-square-foot complex, the center features more than 400 space artifacts, exhibits, experiences, and theaters related to America’s human space-flight program, with every experience designed to engage visitors of all ages.
USDF invites everyone to join us as we ‘high-tail it to Houston,’ December 4-7, for the 2024 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention and experience everything the convention, Region 9, and Houston all have to offer! Full convention details, including agendas and special event information, will be posted to the convention website as they become available.
Contact convention@usdf.org.