By the time you read this column you will have received your ODS rider award plaques for League Shows 2005, Recognized Shows 2005, League Shows 2006. Recognized shows 2006 were mailed in March and should be on the way if not already there. Remember for the 2007 show season you must be a member at the time the scores are earned so be sure to join or renew before your first show so your scores will count.

On the topic of awards it is time also to start thinking about nominations for ODS Special Awards. Special awards are listed in the ODS Roster. The nominations are due by August 10 at the ODS office. During the shows and activities between now and then keep your eyes open for deserving members who exhibit the qualities listed for each of these awards. The awards you may nominate for are:
Mary Ann Judkins Memorial Instructor Award
Teresa Dunlap Trophy-Special Recognition Award
Support Person Extraordinaire Award
Sportsmanship Award
Candidates may be nominated by individuals or groups. A letter describing how the candidate fulfills the criteria of the award must arrive at the ODS office by August 10. Voting will take place by the Special Awards Committee and the awards are presented at the ODS Banquet held during the Championship show.

The ODS Board is sponsoring the Linda Acheson Benefit Show this year. This show is our major fundraiser for the Linda Acheson Education Fund. This year the format will be changed in that on Saturday, August 18 there will be a Practice or Schooling show. The rules for this type of show are printed in the Blue Section of the Omnibus. Sunday, August 19 will be an ODS League Show. This is a great opportunity to get your feet wet if you haven’t tried showing yet as an exhibitor, try a new volunteer job or try a ride at that next level for the more experienced members one day; and, be ready and warmed up for League Competition at the same location the next day. This will be a great opportunity to bring out that young horse (over 36 months of age please) for experience in a “real show environment”. Kim Barker is heading up the show committee. Many volunteers are needed so contact Kim to see what you can do to help for this valuable fund raising effort.

The ODS Show Management and Volunteer Training held in February was even more comprehensive and educational than those held in the past. This is such an important aspect of the educational part of our mission. Show rules change constantly and show management officials need to stay on board with all the current changes. I sincerely thank those involved in putting on this valuable seminar and the presenters: Corinne Stonier, Rose Newman and Kaye Phaneuf. Also a big thank you to Evin Rattner and Noah Rattner for their part in the volunteer training portion of the program and Spike Cornelius for donating his time and expertise. I believe a sequel is planned for the same date next year!

Please feel free to contact me with concerns about ODS issues. See you at the shows!  Marsha