The ODS Delegates have just returned from the 2007 Convention. The Florida winter weather was heavenly and in contrast to Kansas City where the holiday decorations were brilliant against the white landscape they were hardly noticeable in the lush, tropical environment of Orlando. Besides attending the Board of Governors Meeting, Committee Meetings and Educational Seminars we had a chance to enjoy Disneyworld and catch some sun at poolside. Returning to Oregon in the windy storm on Monday was a bit frightening for the adults but the children on board thought it was just another ride and whooped it up appropriately!

It was announced the Capital Campaign for the USDF Educational Center in the Kentucky Horse Park would end December 7, 2007. When all the outstanding donor pledges come in USDF will be debt free! The faster the funds come in the more we will save on interest. The fundraising effort is now being turned to an endowment for educational programs.

There are many improvements being completed at the Kentucky Horse Park before the World Equestrian Games. So far Dressage has outsold all the other ticket sales in the market test.

The 2008 USDF Convention will be held in the Denver area and a Symposium is planned. In 2009 the Convention is planned for Austin, TX. In 2009 we will elect USDF President and Treasurer and in 2010 Vice President and Secretary.

We proudly watched Francy Haupt be awarded the Region 6 Volunteer of the Year. This is at least the third year in a row an ODS member has received this honor.

At the Board of Governors meeting a motion was passed for USDF to stand against the change for USEF General Rule 1212.5a which would require 2 EMT’s to be on duty at all USEF recognized shows.

Motions were passed to increase the minimum median score for all year end awards to 60%. This will be effective October 1, 2008. The awards council also proposed a motion to drop the scores from regional championships from the year end award program. The rationale was that the scores from regional championships are usually lower due to the panel of judges and some regions do not have their championships before the end of the competition year. There was much discussion and this motion was tabled until next year.

Probably the most controversial issue came before the Board of Governors in the form of a Proposal from the USEF Dressage Committee: The Performance Standards Proposal. While we have been aware this has been in the works we now know the format of the standard which, if passed, will come into effect for the 2010 competition year. Briefly, the levels have been divided into Basic (training through second), Medium (third and fourth), Advanced (PSG and I-1) and International (I-2 and Grand Prix). There are no criteria for moving from training through second level. A rider will not be allowed to ride third level until they have achieved a certain amount of points at second level based on second level scores of 60% or higher. Similarly for riding PSG or I-1 a rider must have a certain amount of points based on tests for third and fourth level, and to move to the International level a rider must have a certain amount of points based on I-1 and PSG. There will be some exceptions for Young Riders competing at National Championships and NAJYRC Qualifying Shows. The competency is based purely on the rider and scores we already have will count. USDF medal holders are grandfathered in to their prospective levels so if you hold a bronze medal you may ride third level, silver you may ride PSG and a gold you may ride whatever level you wish. There is also an appeals process.

In addition, to be eligible to compete at third level or above you must be a USDF participating member and a member of USEF. This means you cannot get a bronze medal unless you meet all these requirements. Previously rider awards did not require PM and USEF memberships.

The standard is based on a European model and is designed to improve the quality of riding in the US at medium level and above. Whatever the committee comes up with we have 2 years to improve our riding, so there is a new goal for the New Year!

I hope to see a representative from every chapter at our January Board Retreat. This is really your chance to participate in the planning for the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Marsha

###