Well, dear members, this is my last column, at least as your President anyway. Looking back over the past three years I realize how fortunate I have been to have had this experience. It has been a time of growth for dressage in Oregon, for our organization and an opportunity for personal growth for me.

The biggest accomplishment for me has been helping to move ODS forward into the fast moving technological world we are living in.

The biggest inspiration has been working with people who have put so much of themselves into our organization to make it what it is.

The most fun has been meeting so many people and making many friends.

The most awesome responsibility has been representing ODS at the USDF National Convention.

The biggest challenge has been finding ways to communicate with so many people in such a diverse and large geographic area.

The most rewarding has been having your trust and support. I thank you for that and look forward to the future of dressage in Oregon.

I plan to stay involved with the board but in a support rather than leadership role, working on projects yet to be finished. The one last thing I would like to do is propose to the Special Awards committee some sort of recognition program for the wonderful creatures who bring us such joy. Hopefully this will come to be in the 2010 award year.

I ask of each of you one thing and that is to come forward even in a small way and help us continue to improve our dressage community.

Please remember to support the Oregon Food Bank during the holidays if you can and please have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season and Good Luck in the new year!

Marsha