I’m still trying to get used to writing this column about a month ahead of publication time.  Kind of screws up the timing of things I want to talk about.  Speaking of timing, 2010 is just getting off to a great start and I’m asking you to start thinking about 2011 already.  2011 marks the 40^th anniversary of ODS! Our historian, Siobhan Barker, is planning to do some special things to commemorate the event.  One of them is to produce a notebook/scrapbook of chapters.  I’d like to put out a personal challenge to each chapter to contribute to the effort by collecting local history.  Siobhan brought several scrapbooks to the ODS Chapter Presidents Retreat in January for us enjoy.  It was a real hoot looking through those books and seeing friends as they were 20 years (or more) ago.  They created some giggles and jibes (all positive of course).  Lots of those people are still very active in ODS and we all appreciate their years of dedication.  Let it be a lesson for all of us.

Twenty six people attended the January retreat.  Eleven of the 17 chapters were represented.  General Members were represented by 2 people. We had a very interesting presentation by our Treasurer, Christopher Main, about what it means to be 501(c)3  tax exempt educational organization.  It was a real eye opener.  For example, we are prohibited from making any political or religious statements in publications or websites, we cannot promote, not give the appearance of promoting, any commercial enterprise, we need to have the documentation for sponsorships, including providing sponsors written confirmation of the tax exempt contributions.    I think the major take away from the discussion is a reminder that all of us, the Board, Chapters, and individual members all make up ODS.  If a chapter, for example, does something that violates the IRS rules, we are all responsible and accountable. We will be working on some guidance for distribution to the memberships and chapters about some of these issues with an eye towards a more thorough understanding of our responsibilities.

The ODS Strategic Plan is now up and going.  One of the major initiatives is the establishment of a Financial Oversight Committee.  The committee is to conduct an annual audit of ODS finances, forecast areas of potential growth and loss, evaluate the financial impact of current and future programs, and develop a proactive funding strategy.  Claire Evans will chair the committee.  Other members are Randie Croshaw, Rose Newman, Dolores Morgan and Christopher Main.  I strongly believe that the work of this committee will have a major impact on the operation of ODS in the future.

We are also implementing an initiative to analyze past revenues and expenses for all aspects of ODS finances and be more proactive with preparation of detailed projected budget and monitoring of our annual budget.

I think everyone should have an idea where your dues money goes.  Last year your $60 dues breakdown went like this:  $17.00 to USDF Participating Membership dues, $8.00 to Flying Changes Magazine subscription, $9.50 to ODS Publications of the Omnibus, Roster and Test Booklet, and $25 for operation of the ODS office, Insurance and other ODS programs.  This year the  USDF dues increase to $20, the Flying Changes subscription to $9, and the publication costs to $11, leaving only $20 to support the ODS Office and Programs.  Obviously we have a challenge on our hands.

Another Strategic Initiative is the development of annual survey of ODS membership to determine member satisfaction, areas that need improvement, suggestions for dropping or adding programs, plus some other information to determine desires and needs of membership.  A team is now starting to work on the survey.  Expect it to show up in your “you’ve got mail” this December.  I’m telling you about this now so you can give some serious thought over the summer and be ready to give meaningful and insightful input to the survey.  Francy Haupt and Debra Ringold are on the committee.  As of this writing I’m still looking for someone to take charge of it.

We’ve ramped up the Education committee and charged them with addressing the educational needs identified in the survey.  The committee will develop an educational plan, also considering cost and feasibility, and present recommendations to the Board.  Francy Haupt chairs the Education Committee.  Other members are Lou Anne McKown, Debra Ringold, and Rose Newman.

One of the constants at the retreat is the willingness of the non-board members to step forward and volunteer to participate in these important initiatives.  I can only hope it continues as we compete these goals and move on to the next stages.

ODS/USDF Membership year is November 1 through October 31.  As of the first week of January ODS membership was about 860.  Later in the year that number typically goes to about 1100 members.  It’s a rather unfortunate phenomenon that memberships start to roll in around the start of show season, frequently rush orders for a show the next week.  We’ve been working very hard to make it easy for membership renewals, being the first GMO in to be able to renew on line using the USDF website.  The timing of renewals is very important to ODS.  Renewing promptly allows us to do a better job with our planning and budgeting process, getting our publications printed and distributed and, very importantly, helps to determine the amount of representation ODS is permitted at the USDF convention.  Additionally, several clinics offered on our calendar are open to member-only, it helps our organizers accept member into these restricted activities because our insurance company considers a “member” to be “defined as individuals that are paying dues, as defined by the club’s published roster and in good standing, abiding by the club’s bylaws.”  So please, if you haven’t renewed yet, take a few minutes and get it done.  Mark your calendars with a reminder to renew again in November.

Many of you are aware of some USEF rule changes regarding competitions that take effect this year.  All licensed shows have to be rated, there are requirements for show management, changes to the types of classes allowed and so on.  Most of the changes don’t affect competitors directly but there is one you should be cognizant of.  There is a new rule that scores obtained in a modified arena cannot be used as qualifying rides for Regional Championships.  Competition Management is supposed to announce any arena modifications in the prize list so you are aware of them.  Modifications can include things like the ring might be a little short or the geometry doesn’t allow entering the arena at A.  Competitors looking for qualifying scores should pay close attention to the prize list and look for modification announcements.

I am pleased to announce the ODS Board of Directors approved applications from the Northeast Oregon Chapter and the Cascade Chapter for the Connie J. Keith Adult Amateur Camp Grants.  The Grants provide $1000 to help defray the costs of a minimum 3 day long residential camp to provide educational opportunities and training for adult amateurs.

Spring is rolling around that means lots of events happening around the state.  Keep checking the ODS website for news and calendar of upcoming events.

-Ed

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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

Here it is December already and it seems like I’ve hardly had time to catch my breath.  The week-end of November 21-22 included the Region 6 Mini convention, ODS General Membership meeting, ODS Awards Banquet, and the ODS Board meeting.  Then it was off to my son’s for Thanksgiving, home for a couple of days before heading for the USDF Annual Convention in Austin.

Election results for the ODS Board of Directors were announced at the General Membership meeting.  Jessica Rattner and Marsha Williams were elected as Directors at Large and Marilyn Ulincy is the new Southern Regional Representative.  It was really great to have multiple candidates for the open Board positions.  Voter response seemed to be higher than in previous years.  Hopefully it is an indication of more interest by the membership in the management of the organization and they will continue to provide input.  The ODS Board of Directors are as follows:

Directors at large:  Siobhan Barker, Francy Haupt, Ed Miller, Rose Newman, Jessica Rattner, Marsha Williams

Regional Reps:  North-Patty Armstrong, South-Marilyn Ulincy, Central-Gaye McCabe, East-Open

The Board Officers Board Officer were elected at the November 22 Board meeting.  The new Officers are:

President-Ed Miller

President elect-Rose Newman

Secretary-Sally Temple

Treasurer-Christopher Main

Like any new administration, the first order of business is to inform you that if anyone has complaints, it was all because of the past administration.  All the good stuff in the next few months is the result of my doing.  Phew, my first (and last) official proclamation as a Politian is complete.  Seriously, we are thankful for the leadership and all of the hard work Marsha Williams put in as the ODS President for the past three years.  Fortunately for all of us she will continue to be a Board Member and continue to serve ODS and assist me finding my way.

I’m excited about the challenges the next couple of years will bring.  As many of you already know we have had a task group led by Donna Thayer to develop a Strategic Plan to guide our endeavors over the next few years.  After a lot of work beginning at the Presidents Retreat last January, the Strategic Planning Committee completed a plan for 2010 and 2011.  The plan was presented to the Board of Directors and approved at the November Board meeting.  Many thanks to Donna Thayer for taking on the project and pushing all of us to get it done.

The approved plan has two Strategic Initiatives, each with specific goals, timelines for 2010 and 2011, and a set of action plans for achieving those goals.  The initiatives were developed as a result of synthesizing results of literally hundreds of ideas at brainstorming sessions.

The first initiative is to create a responsible financial plan that meets present and future needs.  The other initiative is to improve communication among board members, between the board and the chapters, between the board and the members, and between ODS and the community.

Work on implementation of the plan will begin at the forthcoming retreat for ODS Presidents and Board January 9 and 10, 2010 at Silver Falls State Park.  We will be looking for volunteers to head up and participate in teams to implement plan.  It should be interesting work.  Take a look at the plan and let me know which of the teams you would be interested in participating.

The plan with its goals and actions plans are available on the ODS Website WWW.oregondressage.com.

Everyone is invited to attend the Retreat.  It’s a good time to meet with your colleagues from around the state, do some brainstorming, and make some friends.  This is where many ideas and directions for ODS are hatched.  It’s not unheard of that participants spend the evening around a fireplace quaffing some root beer or sampling grape juice, watch some video and generally enjoying themselves and the company.  Call the ODS office to check for availability of space to attend.

There was a huge increase in participation in the Region 6 Championship show this year.  To give you some idea, here is the data for the last couple of years.

Yr        horses              rides    FEI rids

2008    156                  502      42

2009    239                  800      107

The large number of competitors had show management scrambling to get it all in.  Region 6 Championships will return to location rotations.  The 2010 show will be held in Washington (Donieda),  2011 will be in Idaho, and 2012 will be back to Oregon.  Beginning next year the show may be extended to 4 days instead of 3 if the entries warrant to alleviate some the problems that occurred this year.

Here is some good news.  The USDF Lunging Manual and the USDF Classical Training Manual were revised this past year.  They are now available from the USDF bookstore (www.USDF.org).

The end of the competition year means its time to recognize the accomplishments of competitors, volunteers, and just plain old good people that contribute so much to our sport.

The ODS Awards Banquet was held November 21 in conjunction with the Region 6 Mini Convention, the ODS annual Membership meeting and an ODS Board meeting.  This is the first time in my memory that it was not held in conjunction with the ODS Championship Show.  We had the highest turnout for the past several years, over 90.  There was some spirited bidding at both the live and silent auctions.  Auctions brought in around $4000 to support ODS activities.  Award winners were:

President’s Choice Horse Ambassador – Harbor Mist, owned by Jaime Hughes

Connie J. Keith Award – Carrie Olson

Mary Ann Judkins Memorial Instructor Award – Cynthia Sanders

Support Person Extraordinaire Award – (2 this year) Rob Boyle and Kristi Marshall

Sportsmanship Award – Holly Cisneros

Volunteer of the Year – Barbara Tuohino Funk.  Barb also was awarded the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award.

Teresa Dunlap Trophy – Siobhan Barker

Chapter Newsletter Award – North Willamette Valley Chapter

ODS rider performance awards are being tabulated and will be distributed at a later date.

I also attended the USDF Awards Banquet in Austin TX where ODS members did us proud.  Nine  ODS members were awarded the USDF Bronze Medal – Mercedes Andazola, Kelin Carraher, Lisa Hornsby Daws, Kathryn Gruenefeldt, Dolores Harris, Kaitlin MacMillan, Mija Rae Paris, Monica Payne, and Anne Stevens.  Kim Barker, Jessica Crawford, Kristina Frye, Stephen Page, Laura Ritacco, and Koby Robson each received the USDF Silver Medal.

Master’s Challenge Awards went to Barbara Doherty (1st level), Ed Miller (3rd level) and David Keiser (3rd and 4^th levels).

Barb Funk’s fillies received Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Horse of the Year awards and KWPN of North America.  EDEN was the KWPN Champion and All Breeds Reserve Champion Filly of the Current Calendar Year.  CALLA was Two year old Filly Champion for both KWPN and All Breeds.  BELLADONNA was KWPN Three Year Old Filly Champion.   Sonnenberg Farm had three Champions and one Reserve Champion awards in the KWPN of North America Registry.  DOLCE S was Champion Yearling Colt/Gelding, DIMORA S was Champion Yearling Filly, ZEN ROSA was Four-and-Five year-old Mares Materiale Champion and the Four-Year-Old and older Maiden/Yeld Mare Reserve Champion.

Marsha Williams and SKYVIEW CYGNUS were the champions of the American Connemara Society First Level Freestyle.

Nancy Brandenburg and MEIKO CCF was the Champion of both Prix St. Georges Open and Adult Amateur categoies for the American Haflinger Registry.

Madeline McKallip and DONNA CARINA was the American Hanoverian Society reserve champion Prix St. Georges Junior/Young Rider.

Audry Goldsmith and HEART B PORTER were Training and First level open Champions of the American Mule Association.  Audry also rode Joy Roelofsz’s SPECIAL’S CHROMATIC LEGACY to Second Level Open Championship of the American Warmblood Society.

TWOFEATHERSTHISSIDEUP, owned by Linda Lindus and ridden by Regina Agren was First Level Open reserve champion of the American Paint Horse Association.

DYNAST-STARR ridden by Shelly Johnson was the Appaloosa Sport Horse Association Champion at both Third Level Open and Third Level Adult Amateur.

H WRENDITION owned and ridden by Molly Martin was Hungarian Horse Association of America Training Level Open Reserve Champion and the Four-and-Five-Year-Old Stallions/Geldings Materiale Champion.  HS WARADO and HS WISTRAR owned by Charlene Summers and ridden by Jennifer Schrader-Williams were the Third Level Open and Grand Prix Open Champions respectively.

ISR/Oldenburg Registry NA Champion awards went to RAVE REVIEW owned and ridden by DeeDee Estes for Second Level Open, Second Level Adult Amateur, Third Level Adult Amateur, Second Level Vintage Cup and Third Level Vintage Cup.  The ISR/Oldenburg Third Level Junior/Young Rider Championship went to Barbara Ayers riding YORKE.

DELTA’S DELIGHT owned by Holly Johns and ridden by Holly and Ryann Nolan was Lipizzan Federation of America Champion at First Level Open and First Level Junior/Young Rider.  CONVERSANO II PIROUETTA, owned by Brooke Voldbaek and riden by Kelin Carraher was Lipizzan Third Level Open Reserve Champion, Third Level Junior/Young Rider Champion and Third Level Musical Freestyle Champion.  FPZV USA Champion at Third Level Open went to REMBRANDT, owned by Don Eckhardt and riden by Brooke Voldbaek.

PRESCRIPTON ridden by Liz Lawson-Weber and owned by Jane Epperson’s was the Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society, NA Division of GOV, Reserve Champion at both Third Level Adult Amateur and Third Level Musical Freestyle.

DAKOTA PACHEZ riden by Taryn Dussin was the Pinto Horse Association of America Champion at Training Level Open, First Level Open, Training Level Junior/Young Rider and First Level Junior/ Young Rider.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America Championship for Training Level Open went to TOANDOS MOUNTAIN MAN, owned by Sheryl Rudolph and riden by Bernadine Diers.   NORTH FORKS CARDI, owned by Jessica Wisdom and Cynthia Miller, and riden by Jessica Wisdom, was the Champion for both the Intermediate I Open and Four-Year-Old and Older Stallion categories.

ESCORAL, owned and riden by Heather Oleson was the Westfalian Horse Association Reserve Champion for both Prix St. Georges Open and Intermediate I Open.  Laura Ritacco and FALCOR captured the Fourth Level Junior/Young Rider and the Prix St. Georges Junior /Young Rider .

Congratulations to all the ODS and USDF Award winners.  I garnered this list by looking through the Program.  There may have been other ODS members who received awards that I did not recognize by name.  I apologize to all who may not have been included.

-Ed

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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

Here I am back on line again and feeling badly about missing the column last month. September was a good month for ODS. The Championship show filled to approximately it‘s usual capacity in spite of the economy. I was holding my breath on this show season and the financial effect it would have on our organization so this is a huge relief. Ed Miller has taken charge of the Nominations for the ODS Board Members. There are several candidates for 2 Director at Large positions. As of this writing we are still seeking candidates for the Eastern and Central Regions.

The Food Bank collection at the show was down a bit but $322.00 and 363 pounds of food will go ways in helping the hungry in Oregon. Our Central Oregon Chapter has been running a similar program this year based on the ODS program and our donations are going to a local food bank in Central Oregon. It makes me happy to see our members taking an interest in those less fortunate, especially for the children, who have no choice.

Many thanks to Siobhan Barker who was the person responsible for making the Food Bank program go this year at ODS Championships. She was attending the booth an donations for the most part during the show. I am pleased that competitors and spectators participated in this meaningful project.

Memberships are coming in for 2010 slightly ahead of schedule! Again this is good news and a pleasant surprise in the current economy.

Please make a plan now to attend the Region 6 Mini Convention and ODS Awards Banquet and annual meeting to be held November 21 and 22 at the PDX Holiday Inn. Saturday’s schedule runs from 8:00 to 5:00 starting with an educational seminar, followed by the Region 6 meetings and ending with another educational seminar. The ODS Awards Banquet will follow in the evening at the same locale. Sunday morning is the annual ODS General Membership Meeting.

The hotel is offering special room rates of $85.00. More specific information as to the price of lunch and banquet tickets and any changes to the schedule will be announced as the date approaches. We are hopeful many Region 6 members and ODS members will attend and get an introduction to what it is like to attend a convention. Members have a chance to offer input on the issues at both meetings. It is a great chance to meet the people who will be representing us at the National Convention.

I am especially pleased to see the number of Musical Freestyle competitors increasing. The ODS Freestyle Clinic with Cynthia Collins was well attended and well received. I have been impressed with the quality of rides I have seen. Another clinic is planned for 2010. There have been several privately sponsored Freestyle clinics this year so we should see the competition increasing even more next year.

I really hope to see many of you at the meetings later this month. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. I promise it will be fun and informative.

Sincerely,
Marsha

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Please visit www.oregondressage.com/banquet.html for full details – watch your e-mail for more details!

We are still seeking an overall banquet organizer – until such a person steps forward, the ODS Office will fill in these positions. If you think you may be interested in chairing the banquet committee next year, now is a good time to contact Corinne in the ODS Office to see what the volunteer position entails!

From the President-Elect

True to form the timing between the August 8 Board meeting and the publication of this column is a little out of whack. Marsha is off on vacation somewhere or another and I’m trying to fill in for her and that ain’t easy.

The ODS Board of Directors would like to extend a huge thank-you to John Craven for his many years of service to the organization. As many of you know, John is a past-President and has been the ODS treasurer for several years. Now John is “retiring” from his treasurer job and turning over is visor and ledger. We are indeed fortunate that Christopher Main is taking up the treasury reins (pun intended) effective September 1. Again, Thank You John for your dedication and also to you Christopher for stepping up.

Lots of stuff coming up in the next few months.

The ODS Championship and Open Show is coming up at DevonWood September 11-12. I know a lot of you are tired of hearing this but volunteers and sponsors are what allow these wonderful events to take place. Volunteers have already put in a tremendous amount of work getting it organized and we are thankful to all of you. There are many more hours of volunteer work needed on game day and there is still ample opportunity to participate. Join us, do a little work, have a little fun, and maybe get some inspiration.

The ODS League Show Championship will taking a new venue for 2010. It is moving south to the Jackson County EXPO in the Medford area for May 22-23. Mark your calendars. Attend some league shows and qualify for the championships. If you aren’t able to qualify for the championships for some reason, come on down anyway. There will be an open show going on simultaneously. Should be good fun at nice venue.

It is getting to be that time of year when thoughts turn towards year end awards. Nominations for USDF awards are due by the end of August which may have passed by the time you read this column. Never fear, there is a second chance. ODS sponsored award nominations are not due until October 31. Check the ODS website to view the awards and nomination procedures. Awards will be presented at an “awards affair” to be held in conjunction with the ODS annual General Membership Meeting and the Region 6 Mini-convention November 21-22. The exact location has not yet been determined but the committee is searching for a site near the Portland Airport. The committee is also lining up several interesting educational sessions for the Mini-convention.

The Mini-convention is, in part, preparation for representatives from Region 6 to get together before the USDF Convention the first week of December. ODS representatives Ed Miller. Rose Newman, Gaye McCabe, Francy Haupt and Marsha Williams (alternate) would love to get your input.

It will soon be time for election of new ODS Board members and Officers. There are two Director-at-Large seats and all four Regional Representative slots up for election this year. Start thinking about who you would like to represent you at ODS. More information on the nomination and election process will be coming soon.

ODS Board has given approval for conducting another “L” judge program beginning this fall. Francy Haupt will be heading up the effort. She is going to need a lot of help and support from the membership to pull it off. It is essential that we get new judges trained if the sport is to continue. I heard a statistic the other day about the percentage of current judges reaching retirement age. Short term memory being what it is, I don’t remember the exact number but it was shocking. Even if you don’t plan on becoming a judge, it is a very worthwhile program to participate it. You’ll get a lot of insight for your riding.

It is now easier than ever to keep up with what’s going on in ODS by tapping into the social networking scene. Corinne has set a Facebook Fan site and is happily twittering away on Twitter (whatever that means.) Check out the sites.

I’ve been squawking for a while now about reaching out beyond our own little community to the broader horse community. I’d like to take this opportunity to bring your attention to an organization established by the Humane Society called the Oregon Horse Welfare Council with a mission of “Saving Horses, Helping People.” Basically the Council was established because in these difficult economic times a large number of horses are being abused and abandoned on both public and private lands throughout the state. One of the activities of the Council has been the establishment of an “hay bank” in which donated hay is provided as temporary assistance to horse owners and rescue organizations for abandoned horses. For information about Oregon Horse Council please contact Scott Beckstead (sbeckstead@humanesociety.org) and for the ‘Hay Bank” please contact Linda Davis at edenfarm@charter.net.

See you all at the Championships.

Ed Miller

It is hard to believe the summer has nearly flown by but it has. It’s only a month or so until the ODS Championship Show weekend. The board will be meeting about the time you receive this newsletter. The news may seem a little slim but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

The Championship Show Committee has been meeting and planning for months and now they are really busy putting together another great Open and Championship Show.

The ODS Owned Shows Committee and the League Championship Committee are working out details for the show next spring. There are still lots and lots of League shows on the calendar through the summer and fall where you can earn qualifying scores.

The ODS Strategic Planning Committee has identified the Strategic Initiatives for ODS based on the member survey and other information that has been collected. We are now working out the specific goals for each Initiative and the Timeline for implementation.

The ODS Education Committee is planning another Freestyle Clinic with Luna Tunes in the fall. Francy Haupt is the chairperson. She is trying to find a location in the mid-south Willamette Valley.

ODS is hosting the Region 6 Mini Convention planned for November. The Annual Meeting and the Banquet will be held in conjunction with that event.

Want to get involved? There are plenty of opportunities. Many, many volunteers are needed for the Championship show. Please contact Jennifer Milburn and make a commitment to spend a few hours at DevonWood September 11-13.

The ODS League Championship Show Committee can use some help with planning the show and volunteers for the show in May. Contact Ed Miller.

When the Strategic Plan is finished this fall and the goals begin to be implemented there will be a need for people to participate in many ways. Find out more at the Annual Meeting where the plan will be unveiled.

The Education Committee can use a lot of help if we are to continue putting on not only the educational opportunities for members but the USDF “L” and the USDF Instructor Certification programs. Contact Francy Haupt.

There are so many opportunities for you to be a superstar or work quietly behind the scenes. Now is the time to come forward and help ODS move into the future.

I hope to see everyone at the Championship Show in September. In the meantime enjoy the remaining summer and travel safely.
Marsha

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The recent ODS Educational Event produced by Francy Haupt was a huge success. I have received so many letters and calls from people attending as riders and auditors. All with very positive remarks such as the following:

“I attended the Cynthia Collins Freestyle clinic last weekend (April 24th through the 26th) as an auditor.  It was great!  I feel much more confident about riding a freestyle with my horse when we get to that level.  I also would like to participate in a clinic like this as a rider in a couple of years.  This is just the sort of educational opportunity I feel ODS should support.  Freestyle highlights the artistic aspects of Dressage, and I believe it can help all of us be better riders.  I also believe that Freestyle is the key to getting a wider base of public support for our sport!”

I would also like to thank our hosts at Tanz-Pferde Dressage for their generosity in supporting ODS by offering the use of their facility for this program.

The ODS Board met April 25. There were quite a few topics on the agenda and the minutes have not been distributed yet so I am going on memory for a lot of the discussion.

The membership of ODS through April 20 is 1,053 members. We were pleased to hear this as we feared our membership would drop due to the economy.

The board is wrestling with ways to save money and still provide a quality product in membership to ODS. We talked a lot about publications. The response in our recent poll of the membership was very favorable toward the Omnibus and Test Booklet. There has been criticism about the Roster being put out so late in the year. Another drawback to this is the cost of publishing and mailing it as a separate entity. The Board decided to print and mail the Roster with the other publications. This will mean the Roster will contain the names of the members from the previous year who may or may not actually renew for the current year. Most board members feel the Roster is a valuable resource and not having the names of those who renew later forces them to keep the old Roster handy as a reference.

The League Shows were another item of discussion. The League Show Committee is trying to develop a program that will keep the various League Shows as consistent as possible in the way they are run and the way the rules are followed. The Committee has is working on a system whereby League Shows can be evaluated before they are granted League Show status for the following year.

The ODS Owned Show Committee report included the fact that we are in need of a Show Manager for the League Championship Show in 2010. Moving the show to Central Oregon for the 2010 season was also discussed. The Breeder Show will be held at Boring this year August 15 and 16. Riding Classes for young horses will be added. Barb Tuohino Funk is the Secretary and Manager of the show.

The Board is also looking at ways to make the popular ODS Rider and Horse Awards more cost effective. There were many suggestions and this will be discussed more before a decision is made at the next meeting so the information can be included in the 2010 Omnibus.

ODS is hosting the Region 6 Mini-Convention in November. Our annual membership meeting, board meeting and banquet will be held in conjunction with the mini convention. The Annual Banquet will not be held in conjunction with the Championship Show in September as it has been for the past few years.

“How we serve our members” is the overall theme for the ODS Strategic plan. The committee met following the board meeting and started to identify the strategic initiatives of the plan. There will be 4 initiatives which will be implemented over the next 4 years to improve our organization. The initiatives will be formally identified at the next meeting in August.

There are two Director at Large positions and all four Regional Representative positions coming up for election this fall. Ed Miller is acting as the Nominating Committee Chair. If you would like to run, nominate someone or get more information contact Ed.

The ODS Board and Strategic planning committee will be meeting at the end of April so that meeting and the Musical Freestyle Clinic will be occurring after this deadline. We are working on the structure of the ODS Committees at this time.

The League Show Committee is working on developing a way to monitor compliance with League Show Rules for the shows ODS recognizes are League Shows.

The Expo in Albany was well attended last month.

We are now at 900 memberships for this year which is very much in line with our membership in the past few years for this time of year. We are pleased our membership has not declined and that the early shows are filling.

ODS is hosting the USDF Region VI Mini Convention in November. It will be held in the Portland area. The committee is looking for ideas and individuals to present some educational sessions.

ODS is still seeking Treasurer Candidates for the 2010 year. The bylaws allow a Treasurer to be selected from outside the existing board if the re is not a candidate on the board with the required skill set.
Please watch for your opportunity to vote for the Region VI PM Delegates coming up soon. In the past you have been able to vote by mail or online. One of the budget cuts proposed is to have the voting all on line to save costs in mailing and printing.

We will have more news in the next issue after the spring meetings.

–Marsha

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