ODS Officer and Board Retreat

By the time most of you get to read this, the ODS Officer and Board Retreat will have already happened.  Each winter, around 25 people get together at the Silver Falls Conference Center and talk about ODS from Saturday through Sunday.  This year’s agenda includes a work session on committees and how to better utilize committee volunteers and then we will also be discussing the ODS Strategic Plan.  One of the goals of the annual retreat is to provide a place for ODS Chapter Officers to receive training and networking time.  This retreat is also a perfect opportunity for general members to become involved – if you miss out on this year’s retreat, please be sure to watch the calendar to sign up in time for next year’s retreat.

NW Horse Expo

The NW Horse Expo in Albany is coming up fast, mark your calendars for March 22-25, 2012.  Not only is it a great opportunity to visit the multitude of vendors and shop till you drop, you will see breed demonstrations from Pacific Northwest breed organizations, experience a wide variety of demonstrations from many other disciplines and see one of the top US dressage instructors and international competitors at work.  The Dressage clinician for the 2012 NW Horse Expo is Jan Ebeling.

2012 marks the 13th year of Oregon Dressage Society’s (ODS) involvement in the NW Horse Expo with our informational booth.  Our information booth is staffed by volunteers and features information on joining ODS and USDF, ODS Merchandise and books that we get from Horse Books Etc, that you can buy at a discounted rate.  If you are interested in volunteering to work at the ODS booth for the Expo you can contact the ODS Office atoffice@oregondressage.com.  For the past 12 year ODS has been instrumental in providing high quality demonstration riders for the dressage sessions at the Expo.  Initially the Expo organizers had tried to find their own demo riders but quickly realized that to provide the best experience for the auditors they needed to work with the local discipline organizations and therefore turned to ODS and its members for assistance with the dressage demo riders.  We are looking for demo riders to perform at the 2012 NW Horse Expo.  Please go to the ODS website for more information regarding demo rider selection.

Before coming to the United States, Jan Ebeling worked as an apprentice under late German master Herbert Rehbein and earned his “bereiter”, a German license to train horses.  In 1984, he moved to the United States to work alongside US Olympian Robert Dover while Dover was preparing for the 1984 Olympics.  Since becoming a US citizen in 1998, Jan has made many trips to the winners circle at the National Championships in Gladstone, NJ. In 2007, Jan and the mare, Rafalca made their debut in the Grand Prix arena during the World Cup in Las Vegas where he had been asked to demonstrate the Grand Prix test for a full house before the actual competition began and after a standing ovation, he realized that Rafalca had the talent to become an international Grand Prix horse.  In the fall of 2007, Jan was awarded a USET training grant and made the decision to return to Germany, taking three horses. Subsequent competition success proved the wisdom of that decision.  Ebeling and Rafalca returned to Las Vegas for World Cup 2009, this time representing the USA. In late 2010, Jan and Rafalca were selected as alternates for the USA World Equestrian Games team. However, after winning the Grand Prix and Freestyle at CDI-W Burbank, they won the right to represent the U.S. at 2011 World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, where they were awarded a 72.589 in the Freestyle and were the highest ranked USA rider.  Jan’s achievements for 2011, including being ranked 27^th in the FEI World Ranking on Rafalca, had exceeded his goals. In addition to competition, Jan always gives back to his sport; he accepted a spot on the Dressage Active Athlete High Performance Committee, a post that he will hold through 2012. Also, he is one of the clinicians with USDF for the Young Rider series, sponsored by USDF and held in different regions throughout the country, and will be the Adult Amateur clinician for California Dressage in 2012.  Jan and his wife, Amy, operate their own training and sales facility, The Acres, in Moorpark, CA. Jan is an active clinician, traveling countrywide and internationally teaching classical dressage and competitive riding. In the little spare time that Jan can find away from the horses, he enjoys playing soccer, biking, and spending time with his son, Ben.

We hope that you will join us in the ODS booth at the 2012 NW Horse Expo! Watch the ODS website for updates.

Until next month,

Rose Newman (rose_newman@yahoo.com)

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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

The 30^th Annual ODS Open and Championship Show held at the DevonWood Equestrian Center Sept 9-11.  A special thanks to the show committee and all of the volunteers who made the event possible.  The ODS 40^th Anniversary committee treated the competitors and attendees to a little cake and punch to help celebrate the ODS milestone anniversary.

The level of performance was excellent across the entire spectrum of levels.  Many of the Champions and Reserve Champions were determined by just the tiniest margins in scores.  Congratulations to the Champions and Reserve Champions.

ODS Board of Directors Elections

Elections were held in October for two of ODS’s Directors at Large and all four Regional Representatives.  We partnered with USDF to conduct electronic elections.  At the time of this writing the election had not been completed.  Results of the election will be reported at the ODS Board Meeting on November 4^th.

I am sad to report that long term Board member Francy Haupt chose not to seek reelection.  Thank you Francy for all of your hard work and dedication to excellence during your tenure.

New Officers will be elected at the November 4^th Board meeting.  New Board members and Officers will assume their duties at the ODS General Membership meeting to be held November 5^th during the Fall Festival.

Steffen Peters Symposium

Fifty three applications were submitted to be demo riders for the upcoming Steffen Peters symposium in conjunction with the ODS Fall Festival.  It is unfortunate that we couldn’t accommodate everyone.  The selection committee reviewed the applications and accompanying videos and had a very tough time narrowing down the candidates to the final six selections.  The selections cover a variety of levels of training and horse types.

ODS Membership Renewal

November 1^st marks the beginning of the 2012 ODS membership year.  Again this year, ODS is partnering with USDF to accommodate membership renewals on line.  USDF has completely reprogrammed the system to resolve the problems that we had last year.  I’ve renewed my membership using the system and found it very quick and easy.  You can upgrade to the USDF Participating membership easily if you so desire.  Give it a try.  Go to the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com) and click on Membership.   From there just follow the directions which take you to the renewal form.  Quick, easy and accurate.

Grants Available

Last month I reminded readers of some grants and educational funds available from ODS.  You should also be aware of a variety of grants available from The Dressage Foundation (www.dressagefoundation.org).

The Dressage Foundation has been very supportive of ODS over the past several years providing grants to support activities.  Grants are available to ODS Chapters as well.  Here are a few examples of available grants.  Complete information about all the grants is available at their website .

The Violet M. Hopkins Fund provides financial assistance to USDF GMOs, to conduct educational clinics and seminars for Dressage Riders at all levels.  Twenty to thirty grants for GMO clinics are available each year.

The Dancing Horse Fund awards grants to “promote participation in, and improve the quality of Musical Freestyle at all levels of Dressage.” Any non-profit Equestrian group may apply for a grant from this Fund.  The Siskiyou Chapter of ODS was a recent recipient of one of these grants.

The Sally Swift Memorial Fund provides grants up to $1,000 to USDF GMOs hosting a Centered Riding® Clinic.  This Fund was created with donations to The Dressage Foundation from Sally’s friends and supporters.

Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund  founded by Maryal Barnett, offers five annual grants of $1,000 each to USDF GMOs for Instructor education AND five annual grants of up to $1,500 to individuals in pursuit of Instructor Certification.

Some may not be aware of other Education funds available from ODS.  For instance, the  Winnie Heiney-Duncan Scholarship Fund is available to a qualified Jr/Yr in the amount of $100 for various equine related educational opportunities such as clinics, symposiums, lessons, competitions, and/or travel.   This scholarship strives to promote and encourage values that Winnie personifies, such as kindness, commitment, character, dedication, ethics, quality treatment of horses, education of humans and equines, and fairness.  There are very few applications submitted for this scholarship.  Check the ODS web site for details.

ODS is actively establishing other funding sources to support dressage education for ODS members and dressage enthusiasts.  The Linda Acheson ODS Education Fund was established in 1998.   When it was created, founder Linda Acheson and subsequently the ODS Board established the goal to gather $50,000 in principal before expending the earnings on the fund in support of educational programs.  A number of fund raisers are being held to reach that goal.

The Chehalem Mountain Chapter of ODS held a Ride-a-Test in July to benefit the Linda Acheson Education Fund.  The event was able to raise a significant chunk of change due to the donation of the facility (Clover Valley Equestrian Center) and donation of time and expertise by a number of instructors.  Thank you all for your contributions to the fund.

Some other fund raising events are being held in conjunction with the ODS Fall Festival November 5 and 6.

ODS Fall Festival

The ODS Fall Festival continues to be the news of the hour.

As previously reported, we are proud to be hosting Steffen Peters for a lecture on Saturday evening and a symposium style clinic on Sunday. In addition to Steffen Peters, ODS is incredibly lucky to have scheduled OSU Veterinarian Dr. Erica McKenzie for a lecture on Saturday morning and a Saturday afternoon workshop. ODS’s very own Mary Cornelius, a world-traveled professional equine photographer, will be presenting us an artistic display of photography, featuring her latest “Elder Horse Project.”

The silent auction of  donated items is always popular.  The auction will include a bronze cast of mare and foal by Lorenzo Ghiglieri and  a “immersion retreat” from Charlotte Bredahl-Baker of Solvang, CA. Pizzicato’s Pizza chain will be donating gift certificates for its restaurants.  New this year will be a wine pull at the banquet dinner where participants will blindly select from a container of donated bottles of wine.  Should be interesting.

We are limited to 300 participants for the Awards Banquet so make your reservations soon.

The State of Jefferson Chapter of ODS (Southern Oregon) is pulling together a “Bus Trip/Road Trip” to the Fall Festival.  The package will include the bus trip up and back, some meals hotel, entry to the Anniversary celebrations and Education programs, and the Steffen Peters clinic on Sunday.   Pick along the I-5 corridor is available.  Check the advertisements elsewhere in this issue or the ODS website for additional information regarding the Fall Festival and Bus Trip.

The ODS Board of Directors summer meeting was held August 27 in Eugene.  The main item on the agenda was the presentation of presented a group of 12 motions by the Financial Review Committee to improve the handling of finances.  Eleven of those motions passed and one was remanded for further clarification.  The approved changes will give ODS a much for efficient, uniform and transparent financial system.

Election of new ODS Board members will be conducted in October.  We will use the electronic voting system again this year.  Three members at large and the four Regional Representatives are up for election.  Watch your e-mails for notification of voting.  New members will be inducted and new ODS Officers will be elected at the November meeting just prior to the Fall Festival.

Remember the ODS  and USDF membership year concludes October 31.  Renewals should be made  prior to that date to avoid missing out on all the benefits.

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ODS Fall Festival

Just in case you haven’t heard the BIG news, multiple-Olympic dressage team member and world renowned instructor–trainer–rider Steffen Peters will participate in the ODS Fall Festival, November 5^th and 6^th.   Steffen will be our banquet’s keynote speaker and will conduct a symposium style clinic the following day.

The ODS Fall Festival is a weekend of educational events, the ODS 40^th Anniversary Celebration and the Awards Banquet.  In addition, the ODS General Membership meeting and the Fall Board meeting will be held where the new ODS Officers will take over the reins (pun intended) on Friday, November 4.  Saturday festivities will take place from 9 AM – 9 PM at the Portland Airport Shilo Inn.  The day will include be classroom style lectures and workshops led by our area’s top veterinarians and equine professionals.  There will also be a special multi-media presentation by Mary Cornelius during lunch.  The evening will highlighted by the ODS Awards Banquet, Steffen’s presentation, silent auction and awards presentations.   Steffen will conduct the clinic on Sunday from 9 AM – 4 PM at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre.

The ODS website lists additional information on other speakers and workshop leaders participating in the ODS Fall Festival as well as registration forms, demonstration horse/rider applications and more.

We can always use contributions to the silent auction.  If you would like to contribute or would  like to be a sponsor, a vendor or a volunteer for the event, please contact the ODS Office.

ODS Award nominations

It is time to nominate all of those special people you know for the ODS Special Awards.  The nomination deadline for Volunteer of the Year and Chapter Newsletter has already passed.  October 1^st is the deadline of 10/1 for other ODS Special Awards.  Awards include the Mary Ann Judkins Memorial Instructor of the Year, the M. Teresa Dunlap Trophy, support Person Extraordinaire, the Sportsmanship Award, and the Connie J. Keith Memorial Trust Award.  In addition, the ODS Chapter Merit Award will be given to the chapter which donates the “best” basket for the Silent Auction.

The ODS Special Awards Committee will unveil the Award winners of the 2011 ODS Special Awards at the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening of the ODS the Fall Festival.

All information about ODS Special Awards can be found on the ODS Website – click “Awards” then follow the link to “Special Awards.”  If you have any questions about how to nominate an individual for our very special awards, or if you need help with your nomination – please contact Joyce Stride, Special Awards Coordinator, 503-647-0168.

Mail nominations to:
Attn. Special Awards Committee
C/O Joyce Stride
16144 NW Dixie MT Rd.
North Plains, OR 97133

Calendar of Events

The ODS calendar for September has opportunities for education, showing, and just plain having fun.  Check the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com/calendar) for an up to date listing of activities.

Educational events listed on the ODS Calendar for September include two clinics and three schooling shows.  I know there are a number of others also going on.  The ODS calendar of events is a good way to let people know of the availability of opportunities.  Follow the instructions at the top of the ODS calendar webpage to get your educational event on the calendar.

You’ve been working hard all summer and September is the time to put it all together at the Championships.

ODS Championships and Open Show

For us at ODS, the 30^th Annual Championship and Open Show is the Granddaddy of them all.  To be held at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre, September 9-11, 2011.  At the time of publication of this column, the entry closing date will have passed.  However you still will have a little time to sign up to be a volunteer, sponsor or vendor.  Please go to http://www.odschampionshipshow.com/2011-art/2011_ODS_Sponsor_Form.pdf for all the information on sponsorships, becoming an on-site vendor, or placing an acknowledgement in the show’s program.  If those activities don’t tickle your fancy you can take advantage of an opportunity to watch and learn.  Show participants are thrilled to perform in front of a crowd.

USDF Great American Insurance Group Region 6 Championship Show and Northwest Championship Show

This is the one you have been paying all of those $10 qualifying fees for.  To be held Sept 22-25 at the Idaho Horse Park, Nampa, ID. For more information please contact Rose Newman, manager, at (360) 281-6550 or Siobhan Barker, secretary, at (503) 324-2907.  You can also visit the ODS Website calendar page for a link to the show website or go directly to www.dressagenorthwest.org for more information.

Other show opportunities

In addition to the Championships there are four ODS recognized League Shows and three schooling shows listed on the ODS calendar.

USDF Annual Symposium

ODS has selected its General Member Organization delegates for the USDF Annual Convention to be held in San Diego November 30 to December 4^th.  Delegates will be Rose Newman, Claire Evans, Debra Ringold, Marsha Williams, and yours truly.  In addition, Jessica Rattner, Gaye McCabe and Corinne Stonier were elected as Region 6 Participating Member delegates.  If you have opinions or issues you would like to be brought to the attention of the convention, please let us know.

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The 2011 Adequan/USDF National Symposium held in conjunction with the Convention will be held December 3-4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA, will feature the USEF national dressage coaches; Anne Gribbons (Technical Advisor and National Coach), Scott Hassler (Young Horse Coach), Debbie McDonald (Developing Coach), and Jeremy Steinberg (Youth Coach).
Working together for the first time in one arena, the coaches will  present a step-by-step method to starting a young horse from breaking to riding and provide tips on improving seat and position for effective training as they show the ‘building blocks’ to success, through Grand Prix. “It’s exciting that USDF is able to provide such a wonderful platform to showcase the American program and talents of our four US dressage coaches. This will be an incredible and unique opportunity to hear their philosophies first hand and see how they work together towards a common goal,” stated George Williams, USDF President.
Anne Gribbons, Technical Advisor and National Coach, is an FEI 5* judge and a member of the FEI Dressage Committee.  In the ring, she has had seven of her horses named Adequan/USDF Horse of the Year, competed in ten national championships, and, in 1995, was a member of the US PanAmerican Silver Medal Team.  Anne states “For this year’s symposium, the USDF has graciously agreed to showcase the USEF teaching staff, and I am delighted at this opportunity for all of us to get together and share our collective knowledge”.
Scott Hassler, USEF National Young Dressage Horse Coach, co-chairs the USDF Sport Horse Committee, is a member of the USEF Dressage Committee, the USEF Breeders’ Committee, and the USEF Strategic Planning Committee.  He is the director of training at Hassler Dressage at Riveredge, Chesapeake City, MD, has competed nationally and internationally through the Grand Prix level, with numerous national championship titles, and has coached numerous champions from the FEI Young Horse classes to Grand Prix.
Debbie McDonald, USEF Developing Coach, was named AHSA (now USEF) Equestrian of the Year, USOC Woman of the Year and, aboard Peggy Thomas’ mare, Brentina, won the team and individual Gold Medals in the PanAmerican games in 1999.  In 2003, she went on to become the first American to win the FEI World Cup title and was named USOC Athlete of the Year.   She led the US to the Bronze Medal at the 2004 Olympic Games, in Athens, represented the US again at the 2008 Olympic Games, in Hong Kong, and was named the 2009 USEF Development Coach of the Year.
Jeremy Steinberg, ODS member and USEF National Youth Coach, was the 1996 winner of the North American Young Rider Championships individual Gold Medal and Team Silver Medal and was awarded the Fiona Baan “Pursuit of Excellence Memorial Trophy”. In 2010 Jeremy was awarded the inaugural “Albers Award”, presented to the Chef d’Equipe who best demonstrates an extraordinary level of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit at the North American Jr/YR Championship.  At Grand Prix, Jeremy has had many top three finishes in CDIs, wins in USDF Regional Championships, and received an invitation to the 2007 Las Vegas International Dressage Competition, held during the World Cup Finals, with Jennifer Smith’s Porocco.
For more information about the 2011 Adequan/USDF National Symposium, visit the USDF website (www.usdf.org).

USEF Youth Sportsmanship Award

Now in its sixth year, the award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as a positive role models for their peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, are involved in their community and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles. All National Winners will be honored during the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting. Each will receive a $500.00 grant to be paid to the educational program of his or her choice and will be invited to attend the USEF Annual Meeting as the Federation’s guest, to attend committee and board meetings, a career opportunity session and awards banquet. Meals, accommodations and travel expenses (up to $500.00) will be provided for all who are invited to participate.

Dressage Foundation Grants

Congratulations to ODS member Mija Paris on her being awarded a $1,250 grant by The Dressage Foundation’s Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund to help her attend the United States Dressage Federation’s Instructor Certification Program.

A number of grants are still available from The Dressage Foundation for the rest of 2011.

More information is available on www.dressagefoundation.org or by phone to 402.434.8585.

–Gifted Fund Scholarship for Adult Amateurs – Due Sept. 15
This $1,000 Scholarship enables Adult Amateurs to set aside quality time, in concentrated training, away from daily pressures of job and family with a horse the recipient owns. Applicants can be riding dressage at any level. Volunteerism within a group member organization is very important. Up to nine scholarships–one per USDF Region–are offered each year.

–Major Anders Lindgren Scholarships for Dressage Instructors – Due Sept. 30
Two $2,000 Scholarships are available each year to dressage instructors to train in a concentrated amount of time of at least one week, away from home. Applicants are not required to be Certified Instructors, but it is suggested that applicants use the scholarship money to train with a Certified Instructor or USDF Instructor Certification Program Faculty Member.  One $6,000 Scholarship can be awarded each year to a dressage instructor, preferably to those in the USDF Certified pool, Training through Fourth Levels. The scholarship will enable the applicant to train in a longer concentrated time period away from home.

–Anne L. Barlow Ramsay Annual $25,000 Grant – Due Oct. 25
The purpose of this annual grant is to showcase talented American-bred horses ridden by U.S. citizens, by providing funds to train and compete in Europe. The horse and rider applicants will be competing successfully at Prix St. George or higher, and demonstrate an ability to move into high performance competition. The successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to be an ambassador for the American-bred horse in Europe.

–Carol Lavell $25,000 Advanced Dressage Prize – Due Dec. 13
The Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize provides financial assistance for coaching and training to a talented, committed, qualified rider whose plan is to reach and excel at the elite, international standards of high performance dressage. Up to two prizes are available annually in the amount of $25,000 each, to riders who are U.S. citizens, over 21 years of age, and selected by a national panel of dressage figures. Selection criteria are merit and need.

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Thank goodness the EHV-1 scare has come to a close.  The threat resulted in a lot of cancellations or postponements of several scheduled events around the area.  Hopefully none of members horses were among the victims.

ODS held its quarterly Board of Directors meeting in Eugene on May 21.  As usual the agenda topics exceeded the time available to thoroughly address them.

ODS has another new Chapter.  I’d like to extend a welcome to the members of the Lower Puget Sound Dressage Club (LPSD) in the Gig Harbor/Port Orchard area of Washington.  Maybe I should say “Welcome Back”.  LPSD was an ODS Chapter several years ago and left to joint with Equestrian Institute.

The Strategic Plan Financial Review Committee presented it’s report to the Board.  The Committee Chair, Claire Evans presented the report and explained the process.  Several recommendations were made for the Board to consider.  The next step is for the Committee to consider comments made by ODS Board members, regional representatives and committee chairs and develop proposals for implementation.  Thank you committee for your hard work and commitment to this project.

ODS is committed to providing the best possible service to its membership and we need your help to do it.  It is a constant struggle to provide the services desired within reasonable cost limits.  To assist us we periodically solicit membership input through surveys.  Our Communications Committee is working on a new survey to gather your views on programs, administrative practices, and a variety of other topics.  Please take the time to complete and return the survey when it comes to you.  It will take only a few minutes of your time.

The Board opened some new ground with the decision to designate Open classes at the Glisan Street Saddlery USDF/ODS Jr/YR Team Dressage Championships on August 13, 2011 as a fundraising benefit for Operation Smile.  Operation Smile is a charitable organization to benefit children with facial deformities.  ODS member Randie Croshaw is spearheading that effort.

The ODS Omnibus and ODS Membership Roster were distributed in accordance with our established time frames.  Everyone who did not “opt out” should have received the publications.  Consideration is being given to electronic posting of the membership roster on the ODS website for next year.  Access to the roster would require a password.

It seems like every column I write includes something about ODS event insurance and this one will be no exception.  It appears we are continuing to have a problem with non-reporting of incidents/accidents at shows.  The ODS Office must receive reports of all incidents in order to communicate them to our insurance company.  The show management web page will soon contain some additional guidance on what incidents require reporting.

Planning for the 2011 Fall Festival, Banquet and Auction is continuing.  Mark your calendars for Saturday November 5, 2011 for the event.  It is to be held at the Shilo Inn-Portland Airport.  The day time will be devoted to educational seminars, including the popular Show Biz seminar for those interested in learning about show management.  The ODS 40^th Anniversary Celebration Special Awards Banquet and Silent Auction will be held Saturday evening.  Watch your e-mail and the ODS Website for details to be announced on a guest speaker for the event.

The calendar for July is full of opportunities for education, showing, and just plain having fun.  Check the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com/calendar) for an up to date listing of activities.

The North East Oregon Chapter of ODS is holding their Adult Amateur Camp July 1-3 in LaGrande, OR   with Jennifer Williams as the featured clinician.  The Camp is being supported by a Connie J. Keith Adult Amateur Camp Grant administered by ODS.

Dressage instructors, trainers, judges and the Clover Valley Equestrian Center are donating their time and resources for the Chehalem Mountain Ride-a-Test July 16-17 to benefit the ODS Linda Acheson Education Fund.  Check with Sharon Knowlton (503) 780-9398.

The Region 6 Youth Overnight Camp sponsored by ODS and hosted by DevonWood Equestrian Center will take place July 5-7 at DevonWood.

Other education opportunities include a Trail Course Day, organized rides and trail rides, and clinics.

If showing is your passion, July is full of opportunities.  There are five USEF/USDF licensed and ODS approved Dressage shows in July and the first week of August along with two Sport Horse Breed Shows.  In addition there are two ODS recognized League Shows and five schooling shows listed on the ODS calendar.

Keep checking the ODS websites for up to date information.

Happy riding,

Ed Miller

I wonder if this is a true sign of spring.  The other day I was out schooling in the arena when a little red fox came out of the blackberries, sat down about 20 feet away and intently watched me work for over a half hour.  He didn’t leave until I finished and went back to the barn.  I was sure he was so impressed he might go into the arena himself and try a half pass or two, some tempis or maybe even a pirouette, but alas, he didn’t.

March was an active month for ODS.  Francy Haupt again directed the efforts of the Education Committee to select a great group of demo riders for feature Dressage Trainer Jane Savoie at the Northwest Horse EXPO.  As I mentioned last month, Jane donated a three month subscription to her on-line mentoring program to be raffled in support of the Linda Acheson Education Fund.  She has now also donated her audio/DVD set “Program Your Position” to the ODS Lending Library.  For a sneak preview of some of the lessons, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAcm1fE6H5w or www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ALCkUEaZIk.

The 40^th anniversary committee hosted anniversary cake on Saturday of the EXPO (which was actually 2 large sheet cakes).  Marla Santino (committee chair), Ed Miller (ODS President) and Jane Savoie cut the cake and along with the help of Marilyn Rigdon, about 100 slices were distributed and snarfed up by ODS booth visitors.  We talked to a lot of people interested in Dressage.  A surprising large number of youth members approached us with questions and interest as well as quite a few hunter/jumpers looking to improve their flatwork through dressage.

The EXPO had a training session on “Cowboy Dressage” that was quite interesting and presented a great message for western riders to embrace the principles of dressage.  I learned the Western Riders Dressage Association has recently been established to promote it.

The last session of the USDF “L” Education Program, Part I was held March 26 and 27.  On one level I’m glad that it’s over as it took a lot of work to get it done.  On the other hand, I’m sort of sad about it.  There were an awfully lot of nice people who attended the program.  When we first started planning for the program we were hoping to 12 participants and 15 auditors.  In actuality we  had 29 participants complete the program, and averaged 65 auditors at each session.  Session C instructor Axel Steiner said that he doesn’t remember ever teaching a session with so many participants, and he feels that we will have a good field of Participants to present for testing and he’s looking forward to teaching in Oregon again.  I think there is agreement among all involved that the program was a huge success.

A great deal of credit for the success of the program goes to the volunteers who made it happen.  They came early for registration and stayed late for “mop up” duty.  Then there was a great crew of demo riders who put themselves on the line for the good of program.  What can I say about the team at DevonWood?  Facility Manager J.P.  McFall and the Rattner clan provided a wonderful facility and terrific  support, everything from reading tests for demo riders to printing copies of test sheets when I came up short.  Ginny Rattner provided lunch to nearly 100 people each day including delicious gluten free vegetarian soups for celiac sufferers like me.  Thank you everyone, I appreciate all your efforts.  Collectively we “done good.”

Our 40^th anniversary hooded sweatshirts have proved to be very popular; we have now sold approximately 200 of those!  Our office still has a few sweatshirts available – if folks are still interested in purchasing a sweatshirt, they are $15 plus about $6 for shipping and will be offered in our website store.  Our vendor is trying to source some quarter-zip sweatshirts now at a reasonable price – so be on the watch for ODS to send an e-mail about ordering those.  I have a “proof” version of the quarter-zip sweatshirt generously given to me by the participants of the L program.  If the production shirts are anything like mine, they will be really nice.  If an ODS chapter would like to make a group order of sweatshirts, contact the office and I can research the shipping cost to send them all at once (it should make them more affordable).

The number and quality of educational opportunities being provided by ODS, our committees and Chapters has grown tremendously over the past couple of years.  Keep checking the ODS calendar on the website for all the latest information.  Each chapter now has a dedicated page on the ODS website and many have their own websites.  Check them as well to see what is going on in your local area.

Plans for the ODS Fall Festival and Awards Banquet are well underway.  Like last year, there will be a number of interesting educational opportunities available, most of them eligible for earning USDF University credits.  We are currently accepting proposals from speakers who wish to provide a program.  Contact the ODS Office with proposals or suggestions for educational events.

The ODS website is continuing to be updated.  A lot more information is being made available in a much clearer and easier to navigate manner.  Check out the Membership Benefits page for availability of more discounts and educational opportunities.

WARNING.  The ODS Office will be closed from June 20 to July 4 while Corinne is away on vacation.  Here’s the WARNING part.  While Corinne is away, I will be in charge of emergencies with help from Chris Main.  By emergencies I mean I will be the contact person if there is an incident or accident at any insured event being hosted by ODS, including chapters.  If there is anything else that is needed, like insurance applications, better make sure it’s done well before the Office is closed.  Committees/chapters/show and clinic organizers need to send in anything might be needed from the office well in advance so that all requests can be processed before the office is closed.  Requests for  broadcast e-mails or news to be posted to the ODS website during office closures should include the desired text and the date the item is to be posted.  All other website postings, insurance/show/membership applications and requests will not be acted upon during Office closure.

Join us by riding, volunteering or being a sponsor/vendor at the ODS League Championship Show, to be held June 4th and 5th at the at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center, 2330 17th Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301.  The show will be offering Open Classes, the 2011 ODS League Championships and the 2011 ODS High School Championships. For the 2011 League Championship Show, qualifying show year is May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011. Score must be earned in current show year and is not transferable. Entries open on 4/22 and close on 5/20.  For more information, contact Gaye McCabe, manager at (503) 378-0309 or Christopher Main, secretary at (503) 324-2907.

It is now mandatory to wear protective headgear at ODS clinics, schooling and league shows and any events hosted by our chapters/committees.  The only exception is per USEF rules, which apply only at ODS approved USEF/USDF Licensed Shows.    At any time while mounted on the competition grounds, all riders must wear protective headgear as defined by the USEF Rule DR120 and otherwise in compliance with GR801. Protective headgear is defined as a riding helmet which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place.

Now go get on the pony and have a little fun.

Ed

The difficult task of distributing the ODS horse/rider awards has been completed.  Again we have had a lot of trouble with mismatch of labels and awards, weighing each envelope to determine the proper postage, stuffing envelopes and finally hauled off to the post office.  It took three people all day to get the job done.  Many thanks to those volunteers who gave up their day to help Corinne get it done.  We’ve got to find a better way.

Some of you who received awards may have found an extra sticker on the outside of  your envelope reading “we haven’t processed your 2011 membership yet-please contact the ODS Office today!” It’s easy to renew your membership, just go to the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com) and click on the link to Membership and find the options by doing it on-line, downloading a hardcopy form, or even by phone.

Speaking of the web site, if you haven’t been there lately, there are some improvements to make it easier to navigate the wealth of information contained therein.  Just for example, there is a new Search tool that you can use to by=pass all the menus and go directly to the point of specific interest.

2011 is the 40^th Anniversary of the Oregon Dressage Society.  Officially the Anniversary is March 21.  I invite everyone to take a moment on that day for a toast.  We are planning a number of exciting events to commemorate the anniversary throughout the year.  Keep checking the ODS websites for updates.  Also keep your eye out at shows, clinics and other events for 40^th activities.   The initial offering of hooded sweatshirts with the special 40^th Anniversary Logo sold out immediately.   We will be adding additional commemorative merchandise throughout the year.  Raffles for special prizes will be conducted  throughout the year culminating with the awarding of the prizes at the Annual Awards Banquet.  Jane Savoie has donated a three months subscription to her on-line mentoring program as a raffle item for the benefit of the ODS Linda Acheson Education Fund.

I’m pleased to announce that Debra Ringold has volunteered to take the responsibility of Chair of the Education Committee.  Debra has been a member of the committee for the past year.  Many thanks to Francy Haupt who did such a great job in that role for many years.  Francy will continue to be a member of the committee.  Keep checking back with the website for announcements of ODS educational opportunities.

We are still looking for volunteers to serve on the Awards, Banquet, and Silent Auction committees, as well as a Chair for those committees.  It’s a great opportunity to get involved.  Please let either me or the ODS office know if you have an interest.

The “L” Education Program continues to be a popular program.  Trenna Atkins conducted Part B at DevonWood Equestrian Center February 26 and 27.  Like Part A, nearly 100 people were in attendance.   Session C will be conducted by Axel Steiner March 26 and 27.  Session C will focus on the collective marks.

The ODS Board of Directors has given its approval to begin planning for a USDF “L” program, Part II to be held in 2011.  Part II is limited to 10 participants and there seems to be al lot of people interested in attending.

It has been a while since I mentioned the ODS Strategic Planning Process.  I’m pleased to report that ODS completed all of its initiatives for 2010.  The Financial Review committee will be presenting the results of its analysis and some recommendations for the future at the April Board meeting.  The ODS Policy and Procedures Manual has been approved by the ODS Board and is now in use by the Board.  On the Communications initiatives, the Orientation Program for new members to the ODS Board has been developed and presented.  A similar program for ODS Chapter Presidents is in the works for 2011.

At the spring board meeting we will be reviewing the Strategic Plan initiatives and action plans for 2011 to make sure they remain appropriate.  I’m looking forward to continue to address the challenges that we face.

-Ed

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One of the significant outcomes of the retreat was the establishment of a new ODS Dressage Horse Hall of Fame.  Selections to the Hall of Fame will be announced at the ODS Annual Awards Banquet.  The first inductees will be up to five horses selected by the Special Awards Committee as having set special historic precedents for Oregon Dressage and all of the President’s Choice Horse Ambassadors of the Year.  There will also be up to five others inductees from nominations submitted by ODS members.  In subsequent years inductees will include the Presidents Choice Ambassador of the Year and up to five others selected from nominations. Owners of the inductees will receive a certificate.   Nominees for induction must be/have been owned or ridden by ODS members in ODS Approved Dressage Shows. The Nominees must be at least 20 years old when nominated or may be nominated posthumously.  To nominate a horse an essay of up to 100 words must be submitted telling why this horse should be in the Hall of Fame. A 5×7 photo must accompany the essay. The deadline is the Special Awards deadline of October 1st. The Special Awards Committee will select the inductees. Nominees not selected will automatically be considered the following year (one time) along with new nominations.

I am very pleased to announce that the Board approved the creation of a new Eagle Gap Chapter of ODS.  The chapter is will serve Wallowa County located in the most northeastern corner of Oregon.  The Chapter was established with the intention of increase awareness, education, and instruction of dressage and encourage participation in ODS, local riding events and social activities. ODS Eastern Regional Representative Sharm Daggett is the first president.

2011 is the 40^th Anniversary of the Oregon Dressage Society.  Officially the Anniversary is March 21.  I invite everyone to take a moment on that day for a toast.  We are planning a number of events to commemorate the anniversary throughout the year.  Keep your eye out at shows, clinics and other events for 40^th activities.   We will be conducting a raffles for a special prize throughout the year culminating with the awarding of the prize at the Annual Awards Banquet.  The initial offering of hooded sweatshirts with the special 40^th Anniversary Logo sold out immediately.   We will be adding additional commemorative merchandise throughout the year.

ODS is providing some wonderful opportunities for its members to get involved with the workings of the organization.  We have openings on all ODS Committees and are seeking Committee Chairs for our Awards, Banquet, Education and Silent Auction committees.  If you have an interest in participating, or even leading, any of these committees, please let either me or the ODS office know.

In the last column I reported that the “L” Education Program was off to a good start.  Due to column deadlines I actually wrote that just before Session A started.  Well, it turned out to be an understatement.  Over 40 additional auditors turned up in the last couple of days that really sent me scrambling to handle them.  We ended up with nearly 100 people at Session A!  It feels good that we are able to provide a program of such caliber to our members.  Thanks all of you that attended.  Hope to see you all at Sessions B and C as well.

Session A of the “L” Education Program includes a lot of discussion of USEF Rules for Dressage.  It’s a little ironic that the day before the Session A began, USEF released its Dressage Rule changes.  There are substantial rule changes related to the Object and General Principles, Gaits, figures and movements, impulsion/submission, position and aids for rider and the objectives and standards of tests.  On the equipment side, there are rule changes which permit  the use of double sliding side reins. The revised rules can be viewed or downloaded from the USEF website.

Happy Riding,

Ed

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LONDON, Feb. 24–The comprehensive testing program for the Olympic Games was announced by the London 2012 Organizing Committee Thursday, with the equestrian test event scheduled at the Greenwich Park venue for July 4-6 this year.

LOCOG’s testing program will focus primarily on testing the field of play, results, scoring and timing systems, as well as key operational procedures and functions.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: “Our approach to operational delivery is similar to that of an athlete. You do not want to face any conditions at competition time that you have not prepared for. When the world’s greatest Olympic and Paralympic athletes come to London in the summer of 2012, every aspect of our delivery needs to be the best it can be. The invaluable experience we gain through our testing programme means we can “road-test” all our operational plans and make sure we have all the knowledge we need to deliver a truly memorable Games in 2012.’

Many of the events will be available to spectators with others restricted to technology and field of play testing. Some tickets will be sold by LOCOG and some will be sold by other event organisers. Further details of LOCOG’s test event ticketing programme will be announced later this year.  People who are interested in attending events should sign up to www.tickets.london2012.com  and they will be sent further information as soon as it is available.

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