With the support of United States Dressage Federation (USDF), Region 6 Director Donna Longacre is kicking off the first ever Region 6 Mini-Convention. The mini-convention will be held at the Holiday Inn Portland Airport located at 8439 NE Columbia Boulevard, Portland, Oregon on November 16 & 17, 2007.

The mission of this event is to foster and improve communications between USDF, regional representatives, Group Member Organization (GMO) officers, national convention delegates and general members.

This groundbreaking opportunity will open the door for new ideas, create a platform for everyone to learn what is being brought up at the convention and how our delegates can best represent our interests at the national convention that will be held in Orlando, Florida later in November. “This mini-convention will improve communication across the region and allow us an opportunity to discuss important issues before we send our delegates to Orlando. We are asking for our members’ participation because we need their voices, ideas and their support,” said Longacre. “I have been planning this mini-convention for almost a year with that in mind.”

The event is to be held in conjunction with a Continuing Education Forum for “L” Graduates. This will be a fabulous opportunity for current “L” graduates, prospective judges, competitors and dedicated dressage participants. Trenna Atkins, a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) “S” rated Judge, member of the USDF Judge’s Committee and USDF “L” faculty member will be speaking on topics of interest such as:

• Sharpening your Eye
• Judging correct basics per the training scale
• Assigning correct collective marks
• Correct basics vs. going through the motions
• Hidden secrets of the USEF Rule Book

For more information about this event, including a tentative agenda and registration form, please visit the USDF Region 6 website at www.region6.org. Information and updates will also be posted on local GMO websites - www.oregondresage.com and www.equestriansinstitute.org. To reserve overnight rooms, to receive registration packets (for those without web access), or for any other questions please contact the mini-convention hostess, Kate Van De Coevering at 503-453-6261 or via email region6@eqbytes.com or USDF Region 6 Director Donna Longacre at dglongacre@aol.com.