I know it’s a trite thing to say but on the other hand it’s true. I can’t believe that it is 2010 already. By the time this column comes out, a month of it will have passed.

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity says that the faster we go, the less time passes. If we were to travel at the speed of light we wouldn’t age. It seems to me that Einstein’s theory should also apply the other way around, that is time should pass more slowly as we age. The older I get the faster time seems to go by. Therefore my life proves that Einstein was wrong. Well, maybe!

2010 is going be a busy one for ODS, beginning with the Presidents retreat Jan 9 and 10. It is a great opportunity for exchange of thoughts and ideas to build our organization and be responsive to our members. Implementation of our recently developed Strategic Plan will be a major area of discussion at the retreat. I’m really looking forward to getting it started.

The ODS calendar is loaded with clinics and shows and other events that are taking place beginning in January. There’s something of interest going on every week-end. Be sure to check out the Events Calendar on the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com).

April 3 and 4 brings the ODS Adult Team Competition. It is always a lot of fun and if you haven’t tried it you should. Grab some friends and form a team.

The Northwest Horse EXPO comes up March 19-21. George Williams, USDF President and well known FEI rider and trainer will be the Dressage clinician. I had a chance to talk with him briefly at the USDF Convention. George will be spending some time at the ODS booth chatting with attendees and signing autographs. Come on over and meet him. Francy Haupt is busy trying to locate demo riders for his clinic. See the ODS website for details.

December 2009 was the month for the USDF Annual Convention, this year held in Austin,TX. For those who thought our delegates were taking a boondoggle to the sunny south, forget it. It snowed in Austin for the first time in years and was generally cold and rainy. This was a very tough convention with several important issues that had to be dealt with. The conflicts that arose last year on the budget issue was on everybody’s mind and it seemed to me to put an edge on this year’s.

Last year’s budget proposal included a large raise in dues and fees that, shall we say, wasn’t presented in the best way possible and went down to a resounding defeat by the delegates. Since the last Convention the Membership Committee did a pretty thorough assessment of the dues structure and costs and came up with a proposal that was passed by the Board of Governors (that’s the collective delegates from around the country). It was interesting to note the Committee reported that the costs for General Members (GM) currently exceed the dues by approximately $8.00 per member.

The dues structure that was passed by the BOG is as follows:

Membership Category / Old Dues / New Dues

Participating Members / $62 / $75

General Members / $17 / $20

General Member Family / $8  / $10

USDF Business Member / $175 / $200

Participating Member 5 yr / $250 / $300

Participating Member Life / $1000 / $2000

Youth Participating Member / $35 / $60

ODS Delegate Gaye McCabe proposed that the Youth Participating Member dues increase be capped at $50. Her proposal was narrowly defeated by the BOG.

In addition the BOG passed a proposal from the Membership Committee to establish a new category called Educational Membership with dues for adults as $35 and $10 for youth. The new category is intended to entice folks from other disciplines and breed organizations to get involved in Dressage education. The benefits would include On Line only subscription to USDF Connection, discounts for educational services, discounts for merchandise sold through the USDF store, and discounts for USDF University credit. Educational Members would not have voting rights.

I should point out that the increase in the GM dues has a significant impact on the ODS budget in that the dues for ODS membership includes the USDF GM dues. The increase will cost ODS an additional $3600 (approximately). We will have to find a way to deal with it and other increased expenses. It fits right in with our new Strategic Plan initiative for financial analysis.

A major change in the organizational and operational structure of USDF was approved in concept this year. Currently the structure consists of the Executive Board, the Board of Governors, and a whole bunch of independent committees and subcommittees. Basically the system works by having committees do their thing and make recommendations to the Board for approval. Committees have no representation on the Executive Board and all operate more or less independently.

The new structure basically consists grouping the committees, sub-committees and ad-hoc working groups into two categories, or Councils, those that deal with administrative stuff and those that are involved with program activities. The Councils are made up of the heads of the committees and a couple of others appointed by the Board of Directors. Their job is to provide a mechanism to exchange ideas within their vested peer group, look at the work of the committees and make sure it is consistent, the right and left hand are more or less on the same page and the work of the committees fits the goals of the USDF strategic plan. A major change is that the Councils will have seats on the Executive Board thereby giving the working stiffs a direct connection to management.

By-laws will need to be revised in 2010 to accommodate the approved structure with implementation scheduled for 2011.

There has also been a lot of discussion starting at the 2008 Convention about revising the make-up of the Board of Governors and the way representation at the Convention is to be determined. The proposal invoked some adamant response prompting it to be tabled consideration. One aspect of the proposal would have decreased the number of Convention GM delegates for ODS from 4 to 2.

Instead of that, a By-Law change was passed this year which, if I understand it correctly, will increase the ODS delegation from the current 4 to 6. Delegates to the Convention must be named to USDF by Aug 1 each year or delegates will be lost. The new requirements will require some changes in our practices and procedures.

The USDF Tests revisions for 2011 were briefly discussed at the Convention. There will be changes made to make a clearer demarcation between the levels. First of all there will be only three tests per level. Training, First, and Second levels will have the number of tests reduced to three.

In recognition of the importance of stretching, Training Level test 1 will include stretchy circles. At the same time, consideration for horse welfare lead to permitting rising trot for lengthening through First level.

Major changes will be coming to Fourth Level in order to clearly distinguish it from Prix St. Georges. The requirement for a canter pirouettes will be replaced by working pirouettes only. Test 1 will require one simple flying change, test 2 will require changes at the ¼ line, center line and ¾ line but no specific stride count, and test 3 will require 3 tempis. Fourth level freesytle requirements will drop 3 tempis and half pirouettes will be replaced by working pirouettes.

The North Willamette Valley Chapter of ODS is holding two educational events.

The first will be a Chapter Member Only event (no guests) on Jan 25 at 6:30 pm in Oregon City.

Dr. Barb Crabbe will be speaking to the chapter regarding horse nutrition including new information regarding worming practices. Dr Crabbe currently operates her own private equine practice in Portland , with an emphasis on performance horses. Her primary area of interest is in the area of equine lameness and gait analysis, especially as it relates to the dressage horse. This is an event you want to be sure not to miss.

The NWV Chapter will also hold a Saddle Fitting and Information Meeting in Woodburn, OR on Feb 25 at 6:00 pm. Ilene Nessenson, JD of Holistic Horse Bodyworks, LLC has agreed to bring her stash of saddles to show members what they can look for in not just the saddle fit but how internal build of a saddle can change and compromise the integrity of the saddle and your riding. It will be held at Crosby Creek Stables in the fully enclosed arena however be sure to bring a chair and dress warm. It is promising to be a very educational event.

For more information and to RSVP please contact Marla at marlasa2002@yahoo.com or call 503.522.5453.

Just a reminder that Chapters are always welcome to include news events in this column, just let us know.

Until next time, be safe and keep the breeches warm.

-Ed