Dear ODS Members,

Oregon Dressage Society is proud to be hosting the second part of the USDF “L” Education Program in 2012.  This program is especially important for ODS because of the tremendous opportunity for learning this program offers participants of Part 1 and of the continuing education opportunity this program provides for current “L” program graduates.  Additionally, the ODS League Show approval requires at least an “L” graduate to be used as an official.  Having candidates successfully complete this program will increase the pool of available officials for approved ODS League Shows.

The application period for the USDF “L” Education Program, Part II presented by ODS in 2012 is now open. Part II consists of Sessions D1, D2, Sitting/Scribing with “R” or “S” Judges and the Final Exam.

Only 10 participants can be accepted and a few slots are still available. Auditors are not permitted.  Candidates will selected on a first come first served basis.

Please refer to the ODS website (http://www.oregondressage.com/lprogram.html) for further information, criteria and the application form.

Please contact me at (541) 890-5085 or eamgroup@aol.com for further information or questions.

Thank you,

Ed Miller

This program is being organized by volunteers and being financially guaranteed by the ODS general fund; ODS is honoring our commitment to quality dressage education for the benefit of our members.  We encourage your assistance, both in volunteer hours and dollars.  Please contact Ed Miller directly if you are able to help or provide financial sponsorship for this program to help offset costs.

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Lexington, KY (December 15, 2011) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that 47 USDF members successfully completed the USDF “L” Education Program in 2011. The USDF “L” Education Program is designed to prepare candidates to enter the United States Equestrian Federation “r” Judges Training Program, to qualify individuals to judge schooling shows, and to give competitors, trainers, and instructors greater insight into the evaluative techniques of judging dressage. The program also serves to provide continuing education for licensed judges. The “L” Program is an excellent opportunity for all USDF members to learn from licensed judges in order to improve their scores and view other rides from a judge’s perspective, whether or not they plan on becoming licensed judges themselves. “L” Programs are conducted by a faculty of USDF-approved United States Equestrian Federation “S”-licensed dressage judges who have experience in teaching judge-training programs.

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Lexington, KY – At the 2011 FEI General Assembly, it was announced that there will be new FEI Pony Tests effective January 1, 2012.

A link to the 2012 tests can be found on the USEF website:

http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/dressagePonies.aspx

The qualifying period for the USEF National Pony Dressage Championship began August 2, 2011 and will end May 28, 2012. The 2012 FEI Pony Team Test and the 2012 FEI Pony Individual Test must be used at qualifying competitions beginning January 1, 2012. A pony/rider combination must complete both the Team and Individual Tests at a designated USEF/NAJYRC Qualifying Competition The calendar of these competitions can be found on the USEF website.

The pony/rider combinations who have submitted an Application of Intent and achieved the minimum number of required scores will be ranked according to these scores. Invitations to the 2012 National Pony Dressage Championships will be based upon this ranking list.

ENDS

Lexington, KY – To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport takes talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2011, six horses have shown the world those qualities and more. And on January 13, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will bestow two of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. This year – a change from years past – both a national and international horse will win.

The six champions have earned their place on the elite list as USEF Horses of Honor, and each will be recognized at the USEF Horse of the Year Awards gala and dinner in January – part of the USEF Annual Meeting – at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.

It will be up to you to choose the two special horses, selecting from a range of talents and from across the Federation’s breeds and disciplines. Your vote will help determine the champions that join the pantheon of past winners including reining horse Gunners Special Nite (2010); dressage horse Ravel (2009); driving horse Jamaica (2008); eventer Theodore O’Connor (2007); show jumper Authentic (2006); and dressage horse Brentina (2005).

The 2011 National Horses of Honor are:

Sjoerd (Tsjalke 397 x Anne G)
2005 Friesian Stallion
Owner: Xena Vimercati

In the Friesian breed, there are few horses that can boast as impressive a track record as Sjoerd. In his young six years, the stallion has amassed 38 Lifetime World/Grand Champion National Champion titles and has earned more career points than any other Friesian in the history of the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA). It comes as no surprise that Sjoerd is the only one of his breed to have twice been named the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Friesian Horse of the Year.

In 2011, Sjoerd earned 14 World/Grand National Champion titles and four World/Grand National Reserve honors. In addition, the stallion was undefeated for the year in halter. While his first foal crops are only yearlings and weanlings, they are winning top honors in the show arena, demonstrating Sjoerd’s strength as a breeding stallion as well.

Starr Llight (Reign On x Charm Eta)
1996 Arabian Mare
Owner: Leah Beth Boyd

“Dynamic and a Diva” are the perfect words to describe this 15-year-old mare. With the young Leah Beth Boyd in the stirrups Starr Llight ended up on top after the ride-off for the prestigious Open Purebred English Pleasure title on Saturday night at the 2011 Arabian National Championships. In doing so, the mare became the most winning Purebred English Pleasure mare of all time and only the second mare since 1988 to win the prestigious title. At age 15, she was also the oldest mare, and second oldest horse overall, ever to garner the coveted award.

Purchased by her young owner in 1999 from a dispersal sale, this mare has gone on to win 11 National or Reserve Championship titles. The pair is the only Arabian horse/rider team to ever win a National Championship in the Junior exhibitor, the Amateur exhibitor, and the Open division.

CHThe Daily Lottery (Sultan’s Great Day x Callaway’s Lady Lottery)
2004 American Saddlebred Gelding
Owner: High Hickory Farm

When it comes to the Five-Gaited division for Saddlebreds, CHThe Daily Lottery was a jackpot payout in 2011 with an undefeated record among amateur competitors. From the string of Grand Champion titles at the UPHA/American Royal, Kentucky Fall Classic, Midwest Charity Horse Show, Bonnie Blue National, and the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show, this impressive chestnut gelding dominated the scene like no other.

In fact, this has been the case well beyond this year’s competition calendar, as the 7-year-old has long been outperforming his competition in the show ring with his rider, Gabe Deknatel. Trained by John and Tammie Conatser, CHThe Daily Lottery is handsome, fast, beautifully big motioned – and seemingly invincible.

The 2011 International Horses of Honor are:

Coral Reef Via Volo (Clinton x Run Away)
1998 Belgian Warmblood Mare
Owner: Coral Reef Ranch

Though small in stature (15.3h) and nicknamed “Shrimp,” Coral Reef Via Volo is a giant when it comes to jumping. With Beezie Madden, she topped the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List for much of the 2011 competition year, and went on to impress the world at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She led Team USA’s Gold-medal effort, which also secured 2012 Olympic qualification. She added only one time fault through five rounds of jumping and won Individual Silver to back up the Team Gold.

In 2011 Via Volo and Madden racked up numerous wins across the globe. They were on the winning team in the Nations Cup at the CSIO4* Wellington. They won the D-LINE Cup 1.60m Spruce Meadows, and the Longines International Grand Prix of Rotterdam (CHIO). Having won their first competition together only a year ago, this new partnership has proved an incredible one so far.

Neville Bardos (Mahayaa x Zambia)
1999 Australian Thoroughbred Gelding
Owner: Neville Bardos Syndicate

2011 marked a year of tragedy for eventing rider Boyd Martin. He lost six horses in a horrific barn fire on Memorial Day but was able to save five. One of those saved was Neville Bardos. The failed Australian racehorse was trapped in the fire for nearly 45 minutes before Martin was able to pull him out. Neville suffered burns and severe smoke inhalation that required extensive rehabilitation. The prognosis was grim, but he fought through it and defied every odd. He made a miraculous recovery to return to competition two months later. Martin lost his father and father-in-law over the summer and he set a big goal for Neville to try to get him through the tragedy.

Neville and Martin went on to not only compete in the CCI4* at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials – but they placed seventh out of 81 entries in September. He jumped only one of nine double-clear cross-country rounds over arguably the world’s toughest cross-country track.

Weltino’s Magic (Weltino x Diva)
2002 Westphalian Gelding
Owner: Dr. Jen Hlavacek

Weltino’s Magic and Steffen Peters were undefeated in 2011, winning at the Intermediaire I level at the Festival of the Horse CDI and the Del Mar National CDI in California before heading to CHIO Aachen and taking on the best small tour horses in the world. They continued their unbeaten streak in Aachen, Germany, and then returned home to sweep all three tests in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in September to earn their spot on the U.S. Team for the Pan American Games.

They set a remarkably high standard at the Pan American Games and brought home Team and Individual Gold medals. ‘Magic’s’ character comes through in his performance and he has evolved into a top contender. Started by Peters’ wife, Shannon, together they were the reserve champions in the Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division. Peters took the reins in 2009.

Voting Is Now Open!

Two of these six exceptional horses will be honored as the overall 2011 USEF Horse of the Year, a mark of distinction that will last a lifetime. Now, it is up to you to decide who will receive the top tribute in 2011.

Simply visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/hoty/Default.aspx and type in your email address to access the voting portal. Voting will end at Midnight [ET] on Monday, January 2, 2012.

For more information regarding the Equestrian of the Year program or any of the six Horses of Honor, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF Awards Manager, at 859.225.6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.

ENDS

Lexington, KY – Voting is now open for the coveted 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year, which, following decades of tradition comes at the end of the 2011 competition year and is announced when the horse world meets at the United States Equestrian Federation’s annual Pegasus Awards celebration in January.

Known as the USEF Equestrians of Honor, eight stars of equestrian sport-across breed and discipline -each recently received a unique competitive trophy. These honors will be presented during the celebrated Pegasus Awards on January 14 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.

But now it is time to pick just one of these Equestrians of Honor to win the distinguished grand prize: the 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Here are the nominees, and the distinctive honors they have achieved:

Steffen Peters.
San Diego, CA
Dressage

The William C. Steinkraus Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing, or show jumping.

Steffen Peters continues to forge his place in equestrian history. Not only did he break records all year with Weltino’s Magic and culminated an undefeated season with a double Gold medal-winning effort at the Pan American Games – he also scored the World Dressage Masters – Palm Beach title with Ravel. He led Team USA to a sweep of all the medals at the 2011 Pan American Games, after winning in California, Germany and New Jersey with Weltino’s Magic. He was undefeated with the horse and broke the 80% mark. He took on the best small tour horses in the world at CHIO Aachen in Germany and left them all in his wake. Peters won two Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage National Championships in 2011 – scoring again with Weltino’s Magic at the Intermediaire I level and Ravel – in the Grand Prix. He won all six classes at Gladstone over that weekend. Ravel won eight of 11 classes he contested in 2011, he was undefeated in the U.S. and was never out of the top five at CHIO Aachen, including a second-place finish in the Freestyle.

Peters is the past recipient of the William C. Steinkraus Trophy in both 2008 and 2009.

Chester Weber
Ocala, FL
Combined Driving

The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes.

Four-in-Hand driver Chester Weber won on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean in 2011 as he developed a new pair of horses to help lead his team. He began his season in Florida scoring at Sunshine State, Little Everglades and Live Oak International. He then took his team to Europe and won at CAIO Veces, CAI Altenfelden and CAIO Riesenbeck. He was the Reserve USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Champion in 2011 and rounded out the year with a win at Katydid in Aiken, SC.

With his considerable experience and expertise, Weber stepped into the role of Chef d’Equipe and served in this capacity for the U.S. drivers in their Bronze-medal win at the World Pony Team Championships in Slovenia. He also commandeered the 10th-place U.S. Team finish at the FEI World Pair Championship, where he again served as chef. He is a member of the USEF Board of Directors and is an ‘r’ driving judge. Weber won the Becky Hart Trophy in 2008.

Karen Waldron.
Shawsville, VA
Saddlebred / Hackney / Friesian

The Bill Robinson Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing with horses or ponies across all the breeds in harness or for driving performance in non-international competitions.

It’s quite the accomplishment to win World Championships within a breed, but when you make this kind of mark across a wide array of breeds, it takes things to an entirely different level. In 2011, Karen Waldron prevailed in both the Hackney and Friesian divisions.

With her Hackney ponies and horses, Waldron dominated the Amateur Ladies Harness and Hackney Pony World Championships at the prestigious Kentucky State Fair’s World’s Championship Horse Show. Turning her hand to Friesians, she also earned the 2011 IFSHA Friesian World and Grand National Championships in Carriage Pleasure Driving-Concours D’Elegance, Carriage Pleasure Driving-Working Pairs, and Carriage Driving-Turnout Pairs.

Scott Stewart.
Flemington, NJ
Hunter

The Emerson Burr Trophy is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences.

The words “Leading Hunter Rider” are synonymous with the name Scott Stewart who won consistently with the elegant riding style that has garnered him championship titles for decades. He was the leading hunter rider at the Devon Horse Show and Alltech National Horse Show in 2011. He picked up various Champion and Reserve Champion honors at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, WCHR Palm Beach, Devon, Upperville, Bluegrass Festival, and the Hampton Classic.

He has produced scores of hunters who have excelled with him, as well as in the amateur and junior ranks. His eye for a horse and ability to diversify them is second to none. He was named the Show Hunter Horseman of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse, Stewart’s style, both in and out of the ring, hasn’t gone unnoticed. He won the Emerson Burr Trophy in 2003 and then again in 2007 and 2008.

Debbie Foley
Louisville, KY
Saddlebred

The C.J. “June” Cronan Trophy is presented to those excelling in under saddle show breeds.

The Saddlebred world has been influenced by Debbie Foley who has been an institution at the top since 1977. She has trained more than 100 World Champion title winners in a variety of divisions and she has ridden or driven 65 of those champions to victory herself.

In 2011, she continued her influence by training and showing Callaway’s Annabel Allison to the Five-Gaited Mare World Champion title. Under Foley’s expertise, Callaway’s The Best and Brightest earned the Ladies Five-Gaited Mare World Championship, and Just Plain George won the World’s Championship Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Stallion/Gelding class.

Her influence on the industry is extraordinary, which matches the quality of horses she produces.

Janice Giles
Pleasureville, KY
Friesian / Saddlebred

The Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy is presented to an equestrian showing in a non-reining Western discipline.

A disciple of the great Helen Crabtree, Janice Giles has had success exhibiting a diverse group of horses and breeds. She has found her role as trainer to be the one in which she succeeds the most. She and her students won across the nation in 2011.

Giles introduced the lovely Friesian Victor FC to the show ring and he was crowned the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) National Champion Western Pleasure Open, National Champion Junior Western Pleasure, and World Champion Open Western Pleasure. Her work with Victor FC has paved the way for the Friesian to gain popularity in the Western discipline.

Steven Stiller
Elkhorn, WI
Andalusian / Lusitano / Friesian

The Norman K. Dunn Trophy is presented to the equestrian competing at halter or in-hand.

Steven Stiller has already produced a myriad of top results throughout his career to stand among the top professionals in the sport. Over the past five years, this Adult Amateur has amassed showing successes numbering in the hundreds.

The word “domination” aptly defines Stiller’s performance at-halter during the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships in 2011. In two days of competition, Stiller collected five World Champion, two National Champion, six Reserve World Champion, two Reserve National Champion, and 10 Top Five Champion titles across a wide array of at-halter classes.

Danielle Barrasso
Chicopee, MA
Arabian / Friesian

The Vaughan Smith Trophy is presented to the best rider of any horse or pony breed shown in hunter pleasure, show hack, hunter hack, dressage hack, costume, side saddle, or Western dressage.

Danielle Barrasso has spent her life with horses and her success in 2011 comes as no surprise. This past year saw her hard work pay off with her stallion, Steffen S, winning World Champion, Dressage Sport Horse Friesian Stallion. Not to be outdone, with her Friesian, Renaissance, she won three World Championships (Western Dressage, Western Pleasure, and Driving Costume).

Her successes in 2011 continued with the Friesian gelding, Hilbrand fan Fjildisaht. She won another World Championship in Hunter Pleasure Open and a National Championship in Hunter Pleasure Open. Aboard Klaas fan Synadea, she won three more World Championships and continued to show her diversity, taking the top honors in: Dressage Hack Open, Show Hack Open, and Fantasy Costume Open, plus two National Championships (Dressage Hack Open and Show Hack Open).

Also a breeder and active member in the horse community – Barrasso actively volunteers on show committees for several associations and clubs.

Voting is Now Open!
One of these eight award-winners will be honored as the overall 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Now, it is up to you – USEF members, designated equestrian media and the USEF Board of Directors – to decide who will receive the top tribute for 2011.

Simply visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/eoty/Default.aspx and type in your USEF membership number to access the voting portal. Voting will end at Midnight [ET] on Monday, January 2, 2012.

For more information regarding the Equestrian of the Year program or any of the eight Equestrians of Honor, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF Awards Manager, at 859.225.6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.

ENDS

For anyone who has already marked their calendars for the 2012 ODS League Show Year – the ODS Adult Team Competition has moved dates so that it will not conflict with the FVC Spring Fling Shows.

The new show dates will be April 28 & 29 and there are also new opening/closing dates for you to notate. Prize lists are almost ready – will be posted within the next few weeks.

Thank you! Visit www.oregondressage.com/showsandclinics.html for the full calendar.

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Lexington, KY – The first of six pre-Olympic Games Dressage Clinics kicked off at beautiful Epona Farm in Thousand Oaks, CA. These clinics, a joint effort by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the USET Foundation will help prepare horses and riders for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Linda and Michael Fowler were gracious hosts at Epona Farm. Nine horses (with seven riders) worked with USEF Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons and Olympian Steffens Peters. For two days the riders focused on schooling the Grand Prix and then rode a test in front of Gribbons. Gribbons is also an FEI 5* judge.

“Going into 2012 it was useful for the riders to practice the new Olympic Grand Prix Special test,” said Jenny Van Wieren-Page USEF Director of Dressage, High Performance. “Another important aspect of these clinics is planning the 2012 competition and training schedules with Anne.”

The following riders and horses were in attendance:

Jan Ebeling with Rafalca and Rosenzauber 8
Adrienne Lyle with Wizard and Accolade
Marie Meyers with Fandango
Leslie Morse and Fleur Rouge
Alyssa Pitts with Jil Sander (ODS Member!)
Mette Rosencrantz with Finally
David Wightman with Partous

“The best part was doing the test,” said David Wightman. “I think for Pre-Olympic preparation that it is imperative to work on the test. This was exactly what both my horse and I needed. It was perfect to work on the weak points after the test. The team of Steffen and Anne worked very well together. Anne would say it from the judge’s point of view and Steffen gave very good tips for me as a rider. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to participating again.”

These clinics will continue with Gribbons and Peters in January in both Florida and California. The focus will be on potential team combinations.

Thanks to Epona Farm, Linda and Michael Fowler and Button Baker for making this first clinic a success.

ENDS

From Dressage-News.com

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, Dec. 4–The U.S. Dressage Federation announced Sunday it will launch head-to-head championships of all levels for adult amateurs and open riders from Training through Grand Prix beginning in 2013.

The USDF said its Board of Governors approved the championship of head-to-head competition for Adult Amateur and Open riders at Training Level through Grand Prix in the Fall of 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. U.S. national levels are at Training, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Qualification will be through the USDF Regional Dressage Championships in the nine geographic regions that make up the organization that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the first year of the national championships.

USDF President George Williams described the decision as an “exciting day for American dressage and, in particular, out adult amateur competitors.

The first formal discussions within the USDF about a national championship began 20 years ago, he said.

Few details were released, including how the USDF national championships would fit with national championships organized by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the governing body of horse sports in the nation, at Intermediaire and Grand Prix, as well as the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. The USEF national championships are also typically used as the final selection competitions for U.S. teams competing at Olympics and World Equestrian Games at big tour and the Pan American Games at small tour.

The current USEF national championships are restricted to U.S. citizens while the USDF regional championships are open to competitors of all nationalities. It was not known whether the USDF national championships would also be open to all competitors.

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Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Sascha Mills as the winner of the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. Mills was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed and discipline affiliates from across the country. An avid Morgan competitor from Goldsby, OK, she was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA).

“Winning this award is such an honor,” the 17-year-old college freshman said. “I honestly was just thrilled that I was chosen to represent the Morgan breed.”

Mills has shown an unwavering commitment to her sport. She started taking riding lessons in 2005 which quickly evolved into a passion. Her Christmas gift that same year: a Morgan horse. Since then, Mills has gone on to win three World Championships – in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – and is a World Gold Medalist. She has helped organize and fundraise for riding clinics to benefit junior exhibitors in her region, and was awarded the Shirley Givens Morgan youth sportsmanship award. Mills started the “T-Town Trotters” Morgan youth club, which promotes the Morgan breed and participates in fundraisers for the Justin Time for a Cure program at the Oklahoma University Cancer Institute. In 2007, Mills became a regional representative for the AMHA Morgan Youth Council and then went on to become a regional director for three years. This year, she was voted national vice president.

Mills said that with her USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award win, she is following in the footsteps of someone she greatly admires and respects – her trainer, Jonalyn Gwinup.

“Last year when Jonalyn won the Cecil Brown [Memorial] Sportsmanship Award, I was so proud because I knew that if anyone deserved to win that award it would be Jonalyn,” Mills said. “And then to learn that I possess some of the qualities that she exemplifies, just blows my mind.”

Added mills: “Jonalyn has always taught me to be kind, to have compassion and to have humility towards our sport and my fellow competitors at all times and in anything I do. I have worked so hard to be a good role model in and out of the ring and to always appreciate what I have and it is so rewarding to see that pay off.”

Her commitment does not end with her horses. As Mills can attest, she’s used to balancing quite a hectic schedule. In high School, she maintained a 4.27 GPA and was salutatorian. She was selected to the Oklahoma School of Science and Math, received a National Society of High School Scholars scholarship, and was president of the National Honor Society, Student Council Senior Representative, Science Club treasurer, senior officer for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, assistant editor for the Year Book, and a member of the Spanish Club, Future Farmers of America, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Since she was a young girl, Mills has wanted to become a doctor. To pursue that dream, she is studying biochemistry for pre-med majors at the University of Tulsa. The first-year student hopes to specialize in thoracic surgery.

Mills will receive a trophy, a $1,000 grant to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. Along with the other 10 national nominees, Mills will be recognized in January at the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH.

The other national nominees are:
• Ayla Spry, Milaca, MN (American Endurance Rider Conference)
• Tori Gray, Louisville, KY (American Saddlebred Horse Association)
• Emily Hogye, Ben Lomond, CA (American Vaulting Association)
• Haley Harrington, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (Arabian Horse Association)
• Katie Berger, Naperville, IL (International Andalusian/Lusitano Horse Association)
• Maggie Greene, Highland, IL (Paso Fino Horse Association)
• Drew Carlin, Columbia, SC (United States Dressage Federation)
• Jacob Pope, Owings Mills, MD (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
• Ashley Rosendale, Branchville, NJ (United States Para Equestrian Association)
• Rachel Laufer, Utica, PA (Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America)
The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to develop youth to become leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines. This program provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements.

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

ENDS

At the General Membership annual meeting, the Central Oregon Chapter, North East Oregon Chapter, and the State of Jefferson Chapter were approved as recipients of the Connie J. Keith grants for Adult Amateur Camps in 2012. Connie J. Keith funds are available for no more than 3 adult camps per year. To be eligible for these funds the camp must be designed for amateur adults and the residential program must last not less than 3 days. Camps that meet all of the requirements will receive up to $1000 per camp to help defray the costs.

Aah. This past month has been filled with good news and bad news. This is my last column as the President of ODS. Haven’t decided yet whether that fits in the good or bad category. It does however cause one to sit and reflect on what has been going on. The last couple of years has been a real trip and I have enjoyed it immensely. Thanks to all who have contributed and made it such a good experience.

November was highlighted by the ODS Fall Festival celebrating our 40th anniversary. And that my friends is not good, but great news. The Festival activities began on Friday night with the fall ODS Board of Directors Meeting. Saturday included several well-received educational events, the annual General Membership Meeting, the Annual ODS Awards Banquet and 40th anniversary cake. The week-end concluded with the Steffen Peters Symposium style clinic in which he worked with seven demo riders and their horses. Around 375 people attended some, or all, of the various events held over the week-end of November 4-5.
Events such as this require hours and hours of planning by the organizers and hours upon hours of volunteer work. Thanks to all who pitched in. The event was made possible through the generous support of our many sponsors and donors as well as a grant from the Dressage Foundation. Major sponsors of the event included The Red Mare, Cliff Creek Cellars plus Gallops Saddlery, North Willamette Valley Chapter, Fort Vancouver Chapter, Heavenly Ranch, F.I.T.S., Toklat, and others.
The event was also a fundraiser for the ODS Linda Acheson Education Fund. Sylvia Kantas stood up in front of the crowd and announced that as long time friends of Linda and staunch supporters of Education, Janet Aungier Dressage would provide matching funds for donations up to $1000. A “paddle raiser” during the auction resulted in raising substantially more than the $1000 matching amount. We are getting ever closer to the $50,000 minimum needed to begin using the fund. Anyone can contribute to the fund at any time, contact the ODS Office for information and pledges.
The silent auction, organized by Wendy Redhouse, had an amazing array of items, baskets of goodies from the ODS Chapters, a beautiful sculpture of a horses, a “immersion” weekend with Charlotte Bredhal, portraits, saddle pads, boots, and all else imaginable donated for the cause.
Now the bad news. We don’t have an organizer for 2012. How in the world is someone going to be able to top 2011? Fear not – we will give it a wholehearted effort. Anyone out there willing to put themselves on the line and be the organizer for 2012? If so, please let me know and I’ll get you started.
The results of elections for ODS Board Directors at Large and Regional Representatives were announced at the Board meetings. Elected for the two Directors at Large were Rose Newman and Gaye McCabe. Regional Representatives elected were Sharm Daggett (East), Patty Armstrong (North), Carolyn Wesolek (Central), and Rachel Merusi (South). Board Officers for the next year are Rose Newman (President), Gaye McCabe (President-elect), Claire Evans (Secretary) and Christopher Main (Treasurer).
Your ODS representatives to USDF are busy with preparation for the USDF Annual Convention being held in San Diego the first week of December. The representatives from throughout Region 6 will be getting together mid-November to discuss issues and develop positions consistent with the needs of our Region.
As Rose Newman is taking the reins, you’ll be hearing from her staring next month.
-Ed Miller