I’ve been so engrossed with my chapter’s (Central Oregon) activities for the past few weeks I nearly missed the deadline for the July issue of Flying Changes. As I write we are in the final hours of preparation for our first 2 day, 2 ring show in many years. The venue is brand new and this is the first big show to be held there. Most of our show committee is new to the show management side of competition. I know it has been a real eye opener for me to paraticipate in this aspect of dressage. The work these people put on to bring these wonderful shows to us as competitors in amazing. The cost to us as competitors is quite reasonable compared to the hours and dedication put in by the show committees. A very small group of people keep the shows going and bring in most of the income for our chapters and for ODS.

Our own Championship show has earned a lot of money for ODS in the past few years. This is due mostly to dedicated volunteers putting in hours and soliciting sponsors, keeping costs down to competitors and making the money that has helped us keep our dues at the same level for several years. The best way to keep showing costs and membership costs down is to volunteer your time at the shows or in the planning and organizing of the shows, soliciting sponsors or providing donations of goods and services needed for the shows. In the face of fuel cost inflation I can’t think of any other way to keep the shows going, especially outside of the Portland Metro area.

We recently formed a committee to oversee our successful League Show program and Championship. Central Oregon Chapter had a League show in May and I volunteered to officiate as what we are calling the “show coordinator”. This is a position sort of like a “TD” but of course with no certification from any organization. Basically the job is to make sure the volunteers all know what their duties are, help the secretary make the show run smoothly, serve as a resource person for any problems or conflicts which may arise during the day and make sure the rules we have are followed and that the safety of spectators, riders and horses is ensured as well as possible. Seemingly small issues like keeping the gate area clear of foot traffic and socializers and making sure there is no one on foot in the warm up ring help to make our shows more safe for everyone. It is not easy to confront people who do not know or choose to not follow the rules. Happily, about 90% of people are understanding and cooperative. The other 10% make volunteers and officials not want to take on these jobs. Happily there were only a few small incidents on this occaision that caused any sort of confrontation. I mention this because we wish for our League Show Program to uphold a consistent standard and quality and I would encourage chapters and others sponsoring league shows to look at having an official on duty during the show. COC is able to make the League Show Secretary and the Show Coordinator both paid positions recently due to the success of the three show series.

August 23 and 24th is the USDF Region VI Adult Clinic at Devonwood. By the time this article is printed the rider application deadline will be passed, but, it will not be too late to plan to attend the clinic as an auditor. It happens to be the same weekend as the Junior-Young Rider Team Championships at Devonwood as well. This busy weekend should be a great chance to audit a clinic with Jane Savoie and watch some of our Junior/Young Riders in action as well. Contact our Region VI Education Coordinator Francy Haupt for information about auditing the clinic. For information about the Junior Young Rider show contact Gaye McCabe.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our wonderful board and committees and our office administrator ODS has run smoothly this past month since our last board meeting. The board will meet next in Newberg, August 9. If you have concerns or suggestions please contact your regional director, directors at large or any executive board member.

Have a great summer!
Marsha

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