ODS has joined several other GMO’s in a pledge of financial support for the USDF Capital Campaign. Marsha Williams will head up the ODS coordination of our $20,000 contribution over 5 years. Contact Marsha if you would like to contribute in the name of Oregon Dressage Society or if your chapter has questions about the USDF Capital Campaign. View more details at the USDF Website.

November seems to mark the start of a new year for ODS (even thought the fiscal year end starts September 1st). The competition season has ended. The championship shows, both ODS and Region 6, are finished. The awards banquet and silent auction are over. Membership renewals are out, and it’s the month when we have our open membership meeting, and elect new officers for the upcoming year. Our membership meeting is a quick recap of ODS’s year and an opportunity for members to address the board with any specific concerns. The meeting will be held at the Springfield Gateway Mall Meeting room on November 12th at 10 am. Feel free to join us.

Since our annual meetings have been sparsely attended in the past, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the progress and achievements of the past year. Oregon Dressage Society finished the membership year as the third largest Group Member Organization (GMO) associated with USDF. California Dressage Society (CDS) and New England Dressage Association (NEDA) were the largest and second largest respectively. I think this is a stellar achievement. Much of our growth can be attributed to increased numbers of youth members and members from out-of-state.

I believe we’ve offered the greatest number of events ever. There were 13 events listed on the ODS calendar for the month of October—a slow month! Not only were the number of events up in 2005, but also the offerings were diverse. We had more educational opportunities including show management training, sport horse clinics, and a quadrille seminar. Nationally known trainers and clinicians were here— Lilo Fore, Cyndy Sydnor, Lendon Gray, Jane Savoie (twice), Christine Traurig, Pamela Goodrich, Anne Gribbons, and many others.

Our big finale for the year, the ODS championships was well run and well attended. The awards banquet hosted 170 members—an all time high. Though I was unable to attend the Region 6 championships in Nampa, I heard good reports of a successful show. I was pleased to read many familiar names of ODS members in the on-line results, a change from previous years.

While I consider 2005 a success, we can’t be complacent. Next year will bring some changes. We are moving the ODS championship up to Labor Day weekend, and later that month, Devonwood will host the Region 6 championships. On my list of concerns, I’m concerned there is a lack of affordable facilities that can host clinics, league shows, and chapter events around the state. I also worry about the representation on the ODS board. We continually have positions that are either vacant or double-filled. I think we have some very capable people in key positions, but there is room for more! Please step up and help!

Each program and event takes a huge volunteer effort from the members. Please consider being involved with your local GMO, a statewide committee, or serving as a regional director. We are in need of someone on the ODS board with skills to review bank reconciliations on a monthly basis and either serve as, or report to the ODS treasurer position.

Last, I’d like to thank the board and other ODS members who have helped me during my stint as the ODS president. I appreciate the kind words and support I’ve received. I’ve learned a lot and made some wonderful friends. Along the way, (and through the ODS board connections), I found my horse, Bill, “Starstruck”. Everyday, I’m thankful I got involved.

Thanks your help,

John