Lexington, KY—For more than five decades, the name of Jessica Newberry Ransehousen has been synonymous with the United States dressage program.  And, after a lifetime spent as a high performance international medalist, lead dressage coach for the U.S. program, highly-skilled dressage judge and widely-respected ambassador for the sport of dressage, the United States Equestrian Federation is proud to announce that living legend Jessica Ransehousen has been selected to receive the USEF’s highest individual honor – the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jimmy A. Williams Trophy.

From her start as a dressage rider, Ransehousen has known the taste of success. In 1956 and 1957, she earned the title of the United States Equestrian Team’s National Dressage Champion. But, this was only the beginning for this multi-talented equestrian.

To close out the 1950s, Ransehousen made her Pan American Games debut and assisted the U.S. team to a Silver medal in Chicago. The very next year, she made her Olympic Games debut in Rome, Italy, as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team. Four years later, she returned to Olympic competition in Tokyo, Japan.

Between decades of high performance competition, Ransehousen spent time sharing her incredible gifts as an instructor and trainer. Those who name themselves among her many students include her own daughter, Missy, who has become a successful event rider and trainer at Blue Hill Farm, the longtime family operation in Unionville, PA. Among others who have benefitted from Ransehousen’s expertise and experience are current Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Champion and Olympian Steffen Peters, 1976 Montreal Olympic Team Bronze medalist Dorothy Morkis, and former Young Rider Gold medalist and FEI-level trainer and rider Todd Flettrich. She also instructed event riders, including such U.S. standouts as Phillip Dutton and Darren Chiacchia.

However, the desire to compete and passion for competition was still present in Ransehousen, and in 1988, she was selected as a member of the 1988 Seoul Olympic team, an impressive 24 years after her second Olympic appearance. At her third and final Olympic appearance, she road Orpheus and secured herself a place in the Olympic record books and stands among a select group of women with the longest Olympic competitive careers – 28 years.

With success on the international stage and a reputation as one of the country’s most respected trainers, Ransehousen began tenure with the United States Equestrian Team as chef d’equipe for the U.S. dressage program. This collaboration would see ever-strengthening showings by the U.S. program at appearances in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, the 1990 and 1994 FEI World Equestrian Games, and at the 1991 and 1995 Pan American Games. Her teams were awarded the Bronze medal at both the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Ransehousen’s commitment to her sport was strongly felt on the field of play, as well as in the board room.  In addition to her many years of work as an FEI “I” and USEF “S” judge, she was a member of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee, USET Vice-President for Dressage, and former Assistant Secretary of the former American Horse Shows Association (now USEF). And, in 2001, she was inducted into the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Hall of Fame.

The USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jimmy A. Williams Trophy are given to the horseman or horsewoman whose “life experience and accomplishments exemplify uncommon devotion to the sport of competition with horses and whose equestrian career and horsemanship have continually elevated the sport’s excellence.”  It is without a doubt that Jessica Ransehousen more than qualifies for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.
The USEF Lifetime Achievement Award will be formally presented to Ransehousen during the USEF’s 2010 Annual Meeting at the Louisville Downtown Marriott, January 16, at the Pegasus Awards dinner where she will be honored by fellow U.S. chef d’equipe and living legend, George Morris, as well as former team member and six-time Olympic dressage rider, Robert Dover.

ENDS

(Attached photo:  Jessica Ransehousen and Forstrat in competition in 1960 in Aachen, Germany.  Photo credit: Courtesy Jessica Ransehousen)

1. When do the new rules take effect for dressage “opportunity” classes?
   December 1, 2009, which is the official start of the 2010 USEF competition year. This date coincides with the effective date of the new “Levels” required for Dressage Competitions.
2. What types of competitions may offer these classes?
   Licensed Dressage Competitions and Regular/Local Competitions which are licensed to include an Open Dressage Division (open to all breeds) may offer a limited number of dressage “opportunity” classes, as described in Rule GR821. (See #4 below for the list of classes and tests that may be offered.)
3. So may a breed-restricted competition offer these classes?
   No, unless the competition is licensed to hold an open dressage division which is open to all breeds. This is because breed-restricted competitions are not required to meet any of the new dressage competition levels standards.
4. How do I know what type and how many dressage “opportunity” classes I can offer at my competition?
   The type and number of classes which may be offered is dependent upon the “level” of your competition. Only Level 1, 2, or 3 competitions may offer these classes (please refer to the published Dressage Levels chart on the USEF website and GR821).
   • A Level 1 Competition may offer two (2) tests, per level, per day, at Second Level and below. For instance, in a single day, a show could offer Training Level Test 1, Training Level Test 2, First Level Test 1, First Level Test 2, Second Level Test 1, and Second Level Test 2 as “opportunity” classes.
   • A Level 2 Competition may offer two (2) tests, per level, per day, at FIRST Level and below. For instance, in a single day, this show could offer Training Level Test 1, Training Level Test 2, First Level Test 1, and First Level Test 2 as “opportunity” classes.
   • A Level 3 Competition may offer two (2) tests per day at Training Level ONLY. For instance, in a single day, this show could offer Training Level Test 1 and Training Level Test 2 as “opportunity” classes.
   • A Level 4 or Level 5 Competition may not offer “opportunity” classes..

1. How do I list these classes in my prize list?
   Per Rule GR821.8, the list of “opportunity” classes offered must include “Opportunity” in the class name.
2. Can I offer Eventing Dressage Tests or other types of tests as “opportunity” classes?
   No, as indicated above and in the Dressage Levels Chart, only specific USEF Second Level, First Level, and Training Level Tests may be offered as “opportunity” classes.
3. Can I have an Opportunity Test of Choice class?
   No. Please see #5 & #6 above. Only specific tests may be offered.
4. What about Freestyles?
   Per Rule GR821.2e(3), Freestyles may not be offered as “opportunity” classes.
5. Can I offer one of these “opportunity” classes as restricted to Adult Amateurs?
   Yes, but per Rule GR821.5, if an “opportunity” class is restricted to Amateurs, then the rider must have an amateur status on file with USEF or pay the $30 non-member amateur card fee.
6. Who can judge these classes?
   USEF Rule GR821 states that any judge officiating at the competition may judge the “opportunity” classes. Since these classes may only be offered at Licensed Dressage Competitions and Regular/Local Competitions with Open Dressage Divisions, the judges would be USEF-Licensed “r”, “R”, “S” or FEI Dressage Judges.
7. What rules apply for these classes?
   Since these classes may only be offered at Licensed Dressage Competitions and Regular/Local Competitions with Open Dressage Divisions, all USEF Dressage Division (DR) rules apply, including dress and saddlery requirements, in addition to all applicable General Rules, such as Drugs & Medications (see #14, below).
8. What memberships are required for these classes?
   Per Rule GR821.2e(5), horses and riders competing in “opportunity” classes are exempt from USEF and USDF membership requirements, and do not have to pay non-member or HID fees. (In addition, USEF is working on a rule clarification to also specify that owners, trainers, and coaches are exempt from membership requirements.)
9. Can a horse and rider cross-enter into other dressage classes?
   Yes. Your prize list must state if “opportunity” riders/horses will be allowed to cross-enter into other recognized classes at your show. Please note, however, if a horse or rider enters other non-opportunity classes at your competition in which membership by participants is required, all USEF and USDF membership requirements apply for horse, rider, owner, trainer, etc. (See GR901.9 for more information.)
10. What about the USEF Drugs & Medications fee?
    Per Rule GR821.3 & .4, horses entered only in “opportunity” classes are exempt from the Federation fee, including the Drugs & Medications fee. However, horses entered in these classes are still subject to and must comply with all D&M rules and are subject to testing at your competition.
11. Do I submit results for these classes to USEF?
    As per Rule GR821.1, competitions must submit full results of all “opportunity” classes as required in Rule GR1214:
    • “Opportunity” must be listed in the class name in the results.
    • Full results are required – names of horses, riders, owners, and trainers are to be listed including addresses, placings and scores, eliminations, etc.
    • If they have them, horses and members with USEF numbers should be listed in the results. If membership or HID information is missing, please leave the USEF number field blank.
    • Section codes for submission of e-Results are as follows: Open Opportunity – 5702; Amateur Opportunity – 5703.

1. What about the USEF Post-Competition Report?
   Since “opportunity” classes are exempt from membership, non-member fees, Drugs & Med Fee and the Federation Fee, these classes are not reported on the Post Competition Report.
2. Can “opportunity” class results count towards USEF or USDF awards?
   No. Scores earned in dressage “opportunity” classes may not be used towards USEF or USDF awards or programs.

Still have questions? Please send your inquiry via e-mail to Jennifer Keeler,
USEF National Director of Dressage, at jkeeler@usef.org.

Click here to view the UVC-Newsletter-Dec09

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The ODS retreat is both a board meeting and a brainstorming session. It is where chapter officers, ODS board members and interested general members get together and work on future plans for the organization. It will be held on 1/9 and 1/10 at the Silver Falls Convention Center – rain, snow or shine. The cost of $85 includes all meals and lodging. If you are interested in attending, please get your form into the office immediately (fax, mail – phone orders will not be accepted).  The form is posted here as a PDF file – 2010Retreat_SaveTheDate-Flier.

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Please review the table and report any errors immediately to the ODS Office (office@oregondressage.com).  Awards are expected to be mailed by March – please be sure that ODS has your updated mailing address!

http://oregondressage.com/2009-LicensedODSAwardsTable.pdf

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Dressage Clinic – SATURDAY ~ JANUARY 2, 2010 ~

Jason McAfee – Clinician (now located in Albany, OR)

Bio: USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold

LOCATION:

The Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center, Inc.
28303 SW Baker Road
Sherwood, OR  97140
(503) 866-6862
Sherwoodforestec.com

This clinic is being hosted by the Clackamas County High School Team (Genesis) and the Classical Equestrian Team.

(CET). The event insured under ODS insurance.

Because it is an ODS insured event ~ all participants (riders and auditors) – MUST BE A CURRENT ODS MEMBER.

If you are interested in a lesson – please call:

Denise Ashley~ 503-910-0536 ~denash@saif.com

The cost is $65 (which is a reduced fee). To reduce the cost you might want to see if you can combine a lesson. Please ask Denise if she can make that work.

Lessons typically go 1 hour depending on the condition and endurance of both horse and rider.

There is no charge for auditing (viewing) if you are a current ODS member~ please feel invited to come.

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Here is a link to the prize winning ODS Newsletter – click here.  Chapters and committees who publish newsletters may want to start to think about their submission for the 2010 awards category!

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Mailed Awards
All awards not presented at the 2009 Adequan®/USDF Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet will be shipped to the recipient. Please contact USDF if you do not receive your award by January 30, 2010. Questions?

Year-End Award Certificates Now Available Online
To print a personalized year-end award certificate, you must first log into the USDF Web site and then click on the word “certificate” located after the horse or rider’s name in the rankings. Get a Certificate Now!

Attention GAIG/USDF Regional Championships Qualifiers:
Your Certificate(s) of Rider Achievement are now available to print via the USDF Web Site. Log in first, then click the Qualified Horse & Rider List. Please keep in mind these are sorted by Region, Level and Division. Congratulations on qualifying for the 2009 championships and we look forward to your participation in 2010.

Attention GAIG/USDF Breeders’ Championship Series Final Participants:
Did you participate in the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Breeders’ Championship Series Finals? Log in and click here to print your certificate of participation. Remember starting in 2010, a Current Year Foal category will be offered at Qualifying competitions as well as the Series Finals.

2009 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships Survey:
Thank you for taking part in the regional championship evaluation surveys. We had an overwhelming response and are using this feedback to improve the championship program. This information will also be shared with the Regional Championships managers. For those who did not receive a competitor’s pin, please contact us and we will be happy to send you one.

Important Deadlines
Last Day to access free 2009 scorechecks
Beginning December 15, 2009 scores earned in the USDF 2009 competition year will be archived and will only be available for purchase via a Lifetime Score Check. 2010 scores will be available free of charge beginning December 15, 2009.

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Washington State Large Animal Rescue (WASART) is engaged in a huge effort to prepare horse owners who will be impacted by catastrophic Green River Valley flooding predicted this winter. WASART is training volunteers, procuring temporary shelter space, and developing emergency transportation plans to move horses out of the flood zone. Volunteers are needed and training is offered. For more information, please visit WASART’s Web site. or e-mail animalresponseteam@gmail.com.

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The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) acknowledges that many high school equestrian athletes are not currently recognized by their school athletic programs unless their equestrian team is directly associated with the high school at the varsity level. In many cases, organized programs at the high school level do not exist and many young equestrians do not have a team or club in their area. Yet, the equestrian athlete dedicates as much, if not more, time preparing for competition as does any other athlete in a high school program. Additionally, the time commitment required of equestrian athletes often precludes them from participating in other high school varsity sports programs. As the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport, USEF has created a program to recognize young equestrians’ accomplishments and to support their future involvement in the sport.

In addition to providing recognition consistent with other high school varsity programs, the USEF honors these equestrian athletes not only for honing their individual skills while training and competing, but perhaps more
importantly, for fostering the unique and often challenging human-to-animal connection required to create and sustain the teamwork and mutual respect required of a successful equestrian athlete/equine combination;
thereby recognizing and rewarding their efforts in the unique and unparalleled team sport of Equestrian.

Click here to view the entire press release and to download the appropriate applications.

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