ODS hopes that everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  Welcome to 2011 and those inevitable New Year resolutions.  No doubt all of you have taken the opportunity to translate those resolutions into goals for training in the coming year.  Yeah, right.

December is past and that means the 2011 USDF Convention and Symposium has been completed.  My personal feeling is the convention was much more productive and positive than it has been in recent years.   We have to give a lot of credit to USDF Board of Directors and USDF Staff for preparation this time around. (more…)

In Frankfort, Germany the 2010 FEI World Cup Dressage Final for Young Riders is set to get underway December 15-19. Meagan Davis and Bentley will represent the United States. The pair had great success this year, winning the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Young Rider Dressage Championship and sweeping the young rider divisions at the CDIs at Saugerties and Dressage at Devon.

For more information on the 2010 FEI World Cup Dressage Final for Young Riders please click here and here.

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The Twin Rivers Chapter hosted the ODS Fall Festival October 23 and 24 at the Holiday Inn in Eugene.  The Festival featured the ODS Annual Awards Banquet and silent auction, a day of interesting educational sessions, the annual Membership Meeting and the fall ODS Board meeting.   Banquet Committee Chair Sally Temple and the other committee members did a fabulous job of organizing the event.  I am thankful for the contributions of the volunteers that made it happen.  A special thanks to Pamela Frye and the Eugene/Springfield Holiday Inn for all of their gracious contributions to make the event a success.   Attendance was considerably smaller than we had hoped but it was a wonderful event, good food, good grape juice, great facility, interesting speakers and wonderful people.  Congratulations to all of the Award winners.  We will strive to ensure that the Awards represent the pinnacle of accomplishment.

ODS election results were announced at the Membership meeting.  The two directors at large positions up for election this year went to Claire Evans and Ed Miller.  Regional Representatives elected were Patty Armstrong (North Region), Gaye McCabe (Central Region), and Sharm Daggett (East Region).  Unfortunately we had no candidates from the South Region willing to serve on the Board.  ODS Officers were also elected.  For 2011 Officers will be Ed Miller, President, Rose Newman, President-elect, Christopher Main, Treasurer, and Claire Evans, Secretary.

Implementation of the Strategic Plan was a main topic of discussion at the Board meeting.  All of our goals for 2010 have been attained.  Planning is underway for meeting the 2011 objectives.  2011 goals include:  Increasing sponsorships by 10%, Grow the Linda Acheson Education Fund to the amount needed to begin use, Create a marketing plan, Create a program to train Chapter leadership (Prez Biz), create a welcome packet for new members, Re-design the ODS website, and task the Education Committee to respond to annual survey results.  We are always seeking talented people to participate on the teams addressing those goals.  Please let the ODS Office know if you might be interested in getting into the act.

I am very pleased to report that ODS member Naomi Martin received the prestigious USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award that annually recognizes USDF’s most outstanding youth volunteer who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment “…to education, the recognition of achievement, and the promotion of the sport of dressage.”  To be nominated the person must have volunteered a minimum of 25 hours during the current membership year on any dressage related events.  Naomi has made impressive contributions both the to Dressage community and to the community in general.  Naomi will be presented with a perpetual trophy at the USDF Annual Convention, and will receive a “keeper” trophy. She will be featured in the Yearbook issue of USDF Connection.  Naomi was nominated for the award by ODS Youth Program Chair Gaye McCabe.

As many of you are aware, ODS has received a Violet Hopkins Grant from the Dressage Foundation to assist in the presentation of Part 1:  A Judges Perspective’ of the USDF “L”  Program.  The program offers a comprehensive curriculum where participants and auditors can learn what trained judges are looking for in dressage performance.  The program concentrates on up to second level and is taught by a faculty of experienced, USDF-approved, USEF recognized “S” judges.    Part I consists of 3 sessions. 

Session A:  Introduction to Judging & Biomechanics.

January 22 & 23, 2011 with Janet Foy

Session B: Judging Criteria for Gaits & Paces, Movements & Figures

February 26 & 27, 2011 with Trenna Atkins

Session C: Basics, Collective Marks-Gaits, Impulsion, Submission and the Rider

March 26 & 27, 2011 with Axel Steiner

All sessions are to be held at DevonWood Equestrian Center, Sherwood, OR.  Deadline for applications by Participants in the Program are due by December 8.   “Silent auditors” who wish to observe the proceedings are welcome.   Please refer to the ODS web site (www.oregondressage.com) for complete information.

 

ODS Officer & Board Retreat; ODS Board Meeting will be held in the at the Silver Falls Conference Center, Sublimity, OR, February 4 and 5.  This is a not to miss event for Chapter Officers and ODS Committee chairs. Plan on workshops, brainstorming and other important items to be on the agenda including creation of the 2011-2012 planning calendar. Limited space; you must pre-register. Please visit our website which has more detailed information and to make an online reservation.

Mark your calendars. The ODS Education Committee is offering educational opportunities ODS Show Biz and Show Volunteer Seminars to be held at the Portland Airport Shilo Inn February 19 & 20, 2011.  The Show Biz seminar is geared towards show management for new or returning show managers, secretaries or show committee members. Details on ODS Show approval, Local show rules and national rules are covered. This Shilo Inn has donated the use of their meeting room for our seminars. For people traveling, they are offering a reduced rate of $79 per overnight room for single or double occupancy when you book referring to “Oregon Dressage Society”. For more details, please contact Rose Newman at (360) 281-6550.

December 13 marks the deadline for The Dressage Foundation Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize application.  The Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize was established at The Dressage Foundation, to provide 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 will be available annually in the amount of $25,000 each, to riders who are US citizens, over 21 years of age, and are selected by a national panel of Dressage leaders.  Selection criteria are merit and need. See details at The Dressage Foundation website (www.dressagefoundation.org).

Check the ODS web site regularly for a listing of shows and clinics.  Many are available throughout the winter months.

-Ed

Despite the fading daylight and impending winter, autumn always brings with it the feeling of a fresh start – fresh breezes blow, a new school year begins, and we all start planning (or dreaming) for the next year. This month’s column brings a mix of topics for you ponder the past and to think about through the long winter ahead. Enjoy your fall!

ODS Membership Year

November 1st marks the beginning of the new ODS membership year. I encourage everyone to renew, or join, soon in order to take full advantage of the opportunities ODS has to offer. The easiest way to do it is to go to the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com) and click the link for electronic renewals.

ODS Championship Show

September brought the ODS Championship Show at DevonWood Equestrian Center. Show Manager Jennifer Milburn, the Show Committee and all of the many volunteers did a fabulous job organizing and putting on the show. Rumor has it that Jennifer also used some sort of deity connection to insure the weather was beautiful.

The complete results of the show are posted on it’s website (www.odschampionshipshow.com). I would like to call those with multiple Champion or Reserve Champion performances to your attention. Audry Goldsmith was the Training Level Open Champion on Finn Rock and the 2nd level Open Reserve Champion on Heart B. Porter Creek. Taryn Dussin was Reserve Champion Jr/YR at both 1st and 2nd levels. Nicki Grandia captured two Championships, 1st Level Open on Rudeau and the Grand Prix Champion on Elisienne. Gail Redinger was the FEI Freestyle Champion and the Intermediare I Reserve Champion on Mitras.

Jessica Wisdom and Kari McClain each came away with five Champion/Reserve Champion performances. Jessica was 2nd level Open Champion and 3rd Level Open Reserve Champion on Vivagonda. She was USDF Pas de Deux and Intermediarte I Champion as well as the FEI Freestyle Reserve Champion on North Forks Cardi. Kari captured the Prix St. George and USDF Musical Freestyle Championships and the 4th Level Open Reserve Championship on Resolution. Riding Nairobi, Kari was the Intermediare II Reserve Championship and the Paus de Deux Champion.

Thank you to all who made the show a success. Now on to qualifying to become next years ODS Champions.

2011 USEF Dressage Tests

As most of you are aware, the USEF dressage tests are changing for the next competition year. The new 2011 tests are now available on the USEF website. Training through Third Levels have been revised so there are now only three tests for each level instead of four. There are significant movement changes to many of the tests. To get to the tests, you must be a member of USEF and login to their website. That gives you the USEF Account Main Page. Scroll down to “Other Options.” Click “2007 Dressage Test Score Sheets” and lo and behold you will find the 2011 tests. If that’s to much trouble, just renew your ODS Membership to get the 2011 ODS Dressage Test Booklet.

2011 USEF Dressage Tests Clinic

The 2011 USEF Dressage tests will be the subject of this years USDF Symposium December 4th and 5th in Jacksonville FL. The “On the Levels” program will feature Lilo Fore and Gary Rockwell. If that is to far to go, read on for educational opportunities in Oregon.

The ODS Education Committee is sponsoring an Intro to the 2011 Tests Clinic with Janet “Dolly” Hannon on January 15, 2011. Dolly will use Demo riders to explain the new tests and point out what the judges will be looking for. The clinic will be held at DevonWood Equestrian Centre, 20533 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood, Oregon 97140. Keep checking the ODS website listing on the Shows and Clinics page for details.

The Central Oregon Chapter of ODS will be sponsoring a “Dressage through the Levels” clinic with Janet Foy and Lendon Gray June 18 and 19, 2011. Detailed information is posted on the COC website (www.centraloregondressage.com).

ODS Show Biz and Show Volunteer Seminars To be held at the Portland Airport Shilo Inn. Show Biz seminar is geared towards show management for new or returning show managers, secretaries or show committee members. We cover details on ODS Show approval, Local show rules and national rules. The Shilo Inn has donated the use of their meeting room for our seminars. For people traveling, Shilo Inn is offering a reduced rate of $79 per overnight room for single or double occupancy when you book referring to “Oregon Dressage Society”. For more details, please contact Rose Newman at (360) 281-6550.

e-TRAK

USDF has unveiled its new e-TRAK on-line educational system. To use it, you must be a current USDF member and be logged in. A link to the e-TRAK system is provided on the USDF Home page. The system includes a huge list of reference materials sorted by different topics. I counted 54 different topics. It’s quick, easy and worth checking out. Did I mention it’s also free. Well not really free but it is included as a benefit for paying your dues and being a USDF member.

-Ed

Dear Oregon Dressage Society Members,

 

Please into your USDF online account and vote for two ODS Directors at Large and one Regional Representative.  If you have not yet used your USDF login, it is located at the top, right hand side of the USDF homepage – http://usdf.org/. 

 

When you log in, the USDF system will ask you which ODS Region you live in – North, Central, South or East.

 

After you make your selection, the computer will automatically direct you to your ballot.  If you do not wish to vote for someone listed, write “none of the above” in the write-in space.

 

Voting will close IN TWO DAYS, October 8^th,  and the winners will be announced at the ODS General Membership Meeting which will be held on October 24^th in Springfield, OR.

 

Region designations and USDF numbers are located on the ODS online roster – http://www.oregondressage.com/2010AllCurrentMembersForWebsite.pdf.  If you have any other questions, or if you require assistance, please call our office at (503) 681-2337. 

 

Thank you.

 

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There is good news and bad news.  The good news is that I have undisputed evidence that some folks are actually reading this column.  I received more comments on last month’s column than ever, specifically regarding the Century Club.  The bad news is that I had left out two ODS Century Club members.  ODS Lifetime Member Cary Evans rode Enjoy for her century test in 2006 and became the 41st member of the Century Club.  Carole Nuckton rode Zeb for her century test in 2008 and became the 52^nd member.  Sorry for the oversight Cary and Carole.  Just to keep the record straight I should also mention that neither is from southern Oregon.

Congratulations to ODS member Jeremy Steinberg for his efforts with the Junior/Young Rider program.  Jeremy seved as the Region 6 Chef d’Equipe at the NAJYRC in Lexington, KY and was awarded the inaugural USDF Albers Award, presented to the dressage Chef d’Equipe who best demonstrates an extraordinary level of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit.

Jeremy has been appointed as the inaugural USEF National Dressage Youth Coach. The USEF Youth Dressage Programs are currently under construction, and will become a critical link in the pipeline for development of future riders.

2010 Awards Banquet

The 39^th Annual Celebration & Awards Banquet will be held in Eugene on Saturday evening October 23^rd.   The Twin Rivers Chapter is hosting this year’s event.  We will learn this year’s Special Awards Winners – Instructor of the Year, Horse of the Year, Volunteer of the year and more. Joyce Stride is putting together a great awards ceremony and is sure to provide some “historically speaking” moments for all to enjoy.  The evening is sure to be exciting with our fabulous annual Silent Auction featuring Chapter and Barn Baskets, delicious food and terrific camaraderie.  Sally Temple is coordinating the Silent Auction and would welcome donations.

The event is being held in the Eugene area this year in response to membership requests to move the site to different geographical areas to provide the opportunity for more members to attend.  We encourage members take advantage of the location change and support the event. Register for the dinner using the ODS website banquet page for either printing and mailing the form with a check or for paying using a credit card via PayPal (www.oregondressage.com/banquet.html.)

The banquet is to be held in conjunction with Saturday’s Educational Sessions and Sunday’s ODS Annual General Membership and Board Meetings.  The educational sessions planning is not yet complete.  Keep checking the ODS news webpage for further information (www.oregondressage.com/news.)

ODS Quarterly Board Meeting

To be held in the at the Holiday Inn Springfield (same facility as the Saturday evening banquet). Meeting starts at 10:00 AM and is scheduled through 1:00 PM. ODS Board Meetings are open to all members; Chapter Officers and Committee Members are encouraged to attend. This meeting agenda includes our Annual Officer Elections, Winnie Heiney-Duncan Scholarship Recipients and the Connie J. Keith Adult Amateur Camp Grant award decisions. Contact the ODS Office at (503) 681-3873 for a copy of the agenda and meeting reports, to be added to the agenda or to RSVP so that we are sure to have enough food and space.

ODS Annual Meeting

Meeting is to follow the ODS Quarterly Board meeting – scheduled to start at 1:00 PM and is scheduled through 2:00 PM. All members of ODS are encouraged to attend this meeting – please RSVP to ensure we have ample seating set-up. Contact the ODS Office at (503) 681-3873 for a copy of the agenda and meeting reports, to be added to the agenda or to RSVP so that we are sure to have enough food and space.

The Dressage Foundation Anne L. Barlow Ramsay Annual $25,000 Grant Deadline 10/25/2010

The purpose of the Grant, established at The Dressage Foundation, is to showcase talented American-bred horses ridden by United States citizens, by providing money to train and compete in Europe.  Deadline for applications for 2011 is October 25, 2010. Visit the Dressage Foundation’s website (www.dressagefoundation.org) for details on how to apply for this $25,000 Grant for High Performance (horse must be bred in US).

ODS member Jennifer S. Williams of Yelm, WA and her Hungarian Warmblood, H.S. Wistar, were awarded this grant for 2010.  She will be training in the Fall with Catherine Haddad in Germany and compete a two CDI’s.

ODS Membership renewals
The ODS Membership year begins November 1.  Applications can be made at anytime.  Several options are available, probably the easiest is to visit www.oregondressage.com and click on the link in the yellow box or to use the 2011 form printed here in Flying Changes.

October Events

Although the summer flurry has drawn to an end, education and show opportunities are still available.  October clinics include:

Oct 9-10.  Debbie Spence clinic, Molalla, OR.  Contact Karen Miller (503-880-9371)

Oct 15-17.  Ernst Hermann clinic.  Portland area.  Contact Joyce Stride (503-647-0168)

Oct 16-17.  Debbie Spence clinic, Roseburg, OR.  Contact Cassi Soule (541-817-7277)

Oct 16-17.  Janet Foy clinic, Bend, Or.  Contact Amy Huson-Braun (541-948-2402)

Oct 18-19.  Morten Tomsen, Snohomish, WA.  Contact Alyssa Pitts (360-453-7196)

Oct 23-24.  Jutta Shott, Applegate, OR.  Contact Carol Taylor (541-846-9495)

Oct 29-31.  Freestyle clinic with Cynthia Collins, Eugene, OR.  Contact Sharon Gerl (541-913-9900)

Oct 30-31.  J. Ashton Moore biomechanics clinic, Molalla, OR.  Contact Karen Miller (503-880-9371)

October shows include:

Oct 30.  The Honkin’ Huge Ribbon Show (league show).  McMinnville, OR.   Contact Lou Anne McKown (425-985-9775).

Oct 30.  Dressage Can Be Fun (Practice Show).  Boring, OR.  Contact Rennie Squier, secretary, at (503) 631-7767 or Joyce Stride, manager, at (503) 647-0168.

Oct 31.  Dressage Can Be Fun (League Show).  Boring, OR.  Contact Rennie Squier, secretary, at (503) 631-7767 or Joyce Stride, manager, at (503) 647-0168.

Oct 31.  The Great Pumpkin Show (League show).  Medford, OR.  Contact Peggy Siders (541-890-1706)

Upcoming November 1^st Deadlines

ODS Chapters are required to provide the ODS Office with their list of Chapter Officers.

Advertisements to be placed in the2011 ODS Omnibus are due in the ODS Office.

Final copy of prize lists for shows to be included in the 2011 Omnibus are due.

Many of you know that Molly and I are huge Theater fans.  We recently attended a delightful performance of “I Love You; You’re Perfect; Now Change” at the Oregon Cabaret Theater in Ashland.  Think about it.  Isn’t that also a perfect description of the relationship most of us have with our horses.   Don’t we all love our mounts and don’t we believe they are, if not perfect, something very special?  We participate in Dressage to get that illusive improvement of the gaits, the lightness and the harmony with the rider.  Indeed, the purpose of ODS is to foster the training of the horse through use of established classical principles to affect change.

Through ODS a large variety of educational/training experiences are available to members to effect change in the horse and rider.

Adult camps are designed to be an intensive, fun, learning experience in a summer camp-like atmosphere for the committed adult rider at any level or experience. The purpose of the camp is to help adult riders “get away from it all” – the pressures of job, family and friends – so they can immerse themselves in dressage and greatly accelerate the learning process. Riders and horses are encouraged stay at the camp facility, getting a chance to make new friends and riding several times daily. Mounted and unmounted sessions expand the riders’ knowledge of dressage training, riding, showing, and theory.

The Central Oregon (COC) and Cascade (CCTA) chapters are offering a four day adult camp (Adult amateurs only). Location will be at Future Street Farm, Redmond, Oregon- August 12th-15th, 2010.  The Camp is made possible, in part, by a Grant from ODS.

This years clinicians are the talented FEI riders Michael Etherly and Nicki Grandia. The focus is on dressage from Training level to Grand Prix with four private lessons and two semi-private lessons.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided along with nightly equine discussions with the instructors. A barbecue is planned for Saturday night. Cost is $485 (stabling not included).

They are filling quickly so please make your reservations or call Lisa Koch (541) 923 0602 Lisa.koch@xerox.com or Jill Campbell ( 541) 884-6756.

Registration information and form can be found at: www.centraloregondressage.com

North Willamette Valley Chapter of ODS will also host an Adult Equestrian Camp August 26-29 at Make your Mark Stables, Springfield, OR

Instructors will be Kim Barker, Kathryn Daniel and Marla  Santino.  Kim is a dressage instructor, trainer and active competitor. She graduated, with distinction, from the United States Dressage Federation “L” Judge Education Program in 2007. Kim will use the Training Scale (Pyramid) and her background as an “L” Graduate to help riders recognize when to move forward and when to step back and take more time to fill in the basics. “ To understand the training scale in everyday every day schooling, is the first step towards moving horse and rider up the levels and to succeed in riding that is both correct, harmonious and beautiful.” Kim will be teaching private and small group lessons.

Kathryn Springfield, Oregon is owner and trainer of Make your Mark Stables. She will be introducing riders to riding outdoors through “Terrain Dressage” and exposing riders to the Eventing and Hunter Paces that meet their comfort level.

Marla will be leading Pre and Post-Ride stretching exercises for rider. The exercises are designed to help riders to become aware of the muscles used in riding and help to engage other muscles to create a more balanced approach.

For more information and registration please contact Kathy Darneille at (503)982-1044 or crosbycreek@canby.com.

The Northeast Chapter will also be conducting an Adult Amateur Camp this year.  I don’t have the details immediately available.  Contact Rebecca Hamann at 541-963-0327.

If adult camps are not for you, other clinics are available to ODS members in August.  Debbie Spence will be in Roseburg August 14 and 15.  Contact Cassi Soule at 541-817-7277.  Debbie will also be in Molalla, OR August 21-22.  Contact Karen Miller at 503-880-9376.

Tina Steward will be in Talent OR August 11-12 and August 28-29.  Contact Carol Ingram at 541-482-5662 (caroling25@hotmail.com) for further information

Jutta Schott will be in Applegate, OR August 14-15.  Contact Carol Taylor at 541-846-9495 (taylor@connpoint.net).

ODS SPECIAL AWARDS NOMINIATIONS:

Several of the ODS Special Awards nominations are due very soon – please check the webpage for exact details, criteria and how to nominate someone deserving – www.oregondressage.com/specialawards.html

USDF CONVENTION GRANT:

One deserving USDF Group Member will receive the Ruth Arvanette Memorial Fund Grant to attend the 2010 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Jacksonville, FL. The grant includes full convention registration and partial reimbursement for travel expenses. This grant is open to members of ODS chapters.  Applications due in the USDF office by August 31.   http://www.usdf.org/docs/clubs/gmos/RAGrantApplication.pdf

ODS INSURANCE FOR CHAPTER AND COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES:

Reminder that we are submitting insurance applications to our agent once a month now on the 2^nd Tuesday; if we have to submit more than once a month, we are subject to additional processing fees. EVERY event that involves horses hosted by your chapter or committee MUST have an insurance application submitted.  The CORRECT application to use is an active PDF which you can type in before printing – it is posted online: http://oregondressage.com/2010insurance/2010ActiveChapterInsuranceApp.pdf.  Please make every attempt to type it out (you will have to have your Adobe Acrobat up to date) and print it vs. filling it out with handwriting.  This will help us to prevent mistakes – again we are working towards prevention of processing fees from requesting corrected certificates. PLEASE do NOT use applications you have saved in your computer or older versions you may have on paper. Please review our insurance webpage as it contains forms in regards to insurance including an ODS general waiver, a volunteer waiver, an accident form, vendors with current liability certificates on file and more — http://oregondressage.com/showmanagement-insurance.html .

USDF Volunteer of the Year Award

Do you know somebody worthy of recognition for the hard work he or she has dedicated to the sport of dressage at the local or national level?

If you know someone worthy of recognition at the national level, nominate today for the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery. One member will be honored with this national title at the 2010 Salute Gala & Awards Banquet.  Nominations are due in the USDF office by August 31.  USDF Volunteer of the Year Form:  http://www.usdf.org/docs/awards/service/VOYApplication.pdf

Championship Show is seeking Sponsors, Advertisers and Vendors

We’re gearing up for the 2010 ODS Open and Championship Shows to be held September 11 & 12 at DevonWood Equestrian Centre in Sherwood, OR.  The Championship Show is in it’s 29^th year.   It is only made possible through the generous support of sponsors, advertisers and vendors.

A wide variety of ways to support the show are available, from Presenting Sponsorships, to business card-sized advertising, and everything in between. For additional information, please go to the website: http://www.odschampionshipshow.com or contact Melissa Frazier at 360-921-1012 or dressage.sponsors@gmail.com.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Melissa with any questions you have.

Show time for the Junior/Young riders.  The ODS Youth Programs Committee is presenting the Glisan Street USDF/ODS Junior/Young Rider Team Dressage Competition Aug 13-15 at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre.  Check the ODS Website for further information.  It’s always a fun show to attend.

Keep Cool and enjoy August.  Until next time.

Ed

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The ODS League Show Championships were held May 22-23 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and EXPO in Central Point, OR.   One thing for sure, we didn’t have to worry about horses getting overheated or competitors getting sunburned.  Perfect weather for competition, yeah right.  Fortunately there was plenty of covered space for both competition and warm-up.  The Southern Oregon location provided an opportunity to ODS members in that part of the state to participate in Championships which is not always possible.

It was a reminder to all of us that small shows can be a blast and a positive experience for participants, sponsors and staff as well. Competitors were enthusiastic, did a great job presenting their mounts and were very supportive of each other.   Roy Garvin stepped up and performed his GP freestyle during the lunch break on both days much to the delight of the participants.

Congratulations to all of the new ODS League Show Champions.

Show Highpoint and Reserve Highpoint Awards went to Sarah Madison and Robin Borg with average scores of 71.714% and 69.2% respectively.

ODS is partnering with Region Six to put on a weekend overnight camp for Youth Riders on July 9th, 10th and 11th at DevonWood Equestrian Centre.  By the time this goes to print, additional campers for the riding section will not be able to be accepted.  However, Youth Riders are welcome to attend without a horse at a discounted rate. Also, the camp will be open to auditors of all ages at $10 per day. Instructors for the camp include Heather Oleson, Jeremy Steinberg, Natalie Perry, Kelly Burris, Emma Dye and at least two more instructors. All of the instructors are former Youth riders who participated in the Junior, Advanced Young Rider or Brentina Cup program. There will also be four lectures over the course of the weekend. Topics currently include an introduction to the training scale and test design, assessing your horses wellness, braiding and grooming for a show, and goal setting for Youth Riders. Volunteers are needed to help with running the camp. For more information about the program or to volunteer, email jessica.rattner@gmail.com.

July ODS events:

July offers a variety of events available to ODS members.

Clinics:

Shows:

Others:

Kathy Everman will be holding a Summer Camp at her Hidden Meadows farm in Applegate, OR July 5-8.

The North Willamette Valley Chapter of ODS is organizing a horse camping trip to Silver Falls State Park July 23-25.

For details of all these events check the calendar of events on the ODS website (www.oregondressage.com).  Others will probably be added before this column goes to press.

Insurance note:

Another insurance issue has come to our attention that event organizers should be aware of.  ODS Liability insurance does not cover any motorized vehicles at events.  Vehicles would include golf carts, Gators, ATVs and the like.  If you rent those vehicles from a vendor, the vendor probably has insurance coverage but you should check. If you must use these type of vehicles at your event, please contact the ODS Office so we can add protection with our carrier.

United States Dressage Federation Issues Protective Headgear Safety Statement

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) released an official statement regarding protective headgear use following the Spring USDF Executive Board meeting held at their headquarters in the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

The statement, “USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mounted”, is in line with USDF’s current policy to require all photos of mounted riders in the USDF Connection magazine include protective headgear.

USDF is also requiring the statement on all videos it produces and any videos or educational materials for which it offers accreditation for its University program.

USDF Annual Convention and Symposium

The USDF Exeutive Board has listened to the concerns of the Board of Governors and has established a policy that all meetings at the Annual Convention will be open to all participants, with the exception of the Audit Committee and the Steering Committee.  Previously Committees had a members only meeting, followed by an open meeting at which results of the closed meeting were discussed.

2010 Symposium in conjunction with the Annual Convention will be in an “On the Levels” format. The symposium would include the FEI levels as well as the national levels.  The Symposium is to be conducted by Lilo Fore and Gary Rockwell.

The 2011 USDF Trainers’ Conference will be held in southern California. The last conference on the west coast was also held in 2007C, also in California.

8:30 PM – Edited to add that this horse’s owner has been located and the horse is safely on his way home.

Thank you to all of the concerned ODS members!

// Original Post //

Dear ODS members in Newberg, Sherwood and Hillsboro,

We were asked to post an alert that a horse has been found and Quailhurst is currently taking care of her on their property.
She is described as a VERY sweet mare who appears to be a western trail horse.

If you are missing a horse or know of someone who is, please contact Deborah @ 503-544-8968.

Thank you,

ODS Office

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I reported a couple of months ago about the joys of spring arriving.  Seems I was a bit premature.  Just for the record, down here in southern Oregon the last week of April we were still having a lot of very cold rain and snow mixed in with a little hail and sleet to make it interesting.  I’m still blanketing the boys.    Looking forward to T-shirt weather soon.

The ODS calendar is jammed full for the month of June.  At last count, there were five clinics, five ODS chapter events, ten USEF/USDF licensed shows, and another five league/schooling shows on the calendar.  Something for everyone.  The calendar is a great resource for planners and participants alike.

Posting of events on the ODS website calendar is free and provided as a service to our members so take advantage.  Submit your event by sending an e-mail with the event details to postmyevent@oregondressage.com.  For instructions for what to include in the e-mail go to the website (oregondressage.com) and click on the Shows and Clinics tab.

I’ve written before about the ODS Strategic Planning process that we are currently undertaking.  As part of that process we revisited some of the history of the organizations.  One of the historical documents that we came up with was the Articles of Incorporation from back in 1972.  I was particularly impressed with the eloquence with which the purpose of the organization was presented and would like to share it with you.  It’s something that all of us need to keep in mind.

Excerpt from Articles of Incorporation of the Oregon Dressage Society, March 21, 1972 under the Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Law

ARTICLE II.  The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized are:

• To preserve the Classical Equestrian Art from abuses to which it can be exposed and to preserve it in the purity of its principles so that it can be handed on intact to generations of riders to come.
• The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse, to make the horse calm, supple and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with its rider.  These qualities are obtained through a progressive, systematic form of schooling.
• The rules of the International Equestrian Federation (F.E.I.), the American Horse Show Association, the A.S.H.A, ((now the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF)) shall govern all Dressage Tests and Events, of this Society, without exception.
• The Society adheres to the thesis that Dressage, practiced properly, is an Art not a Sport.
• The program of the Society shall be education and shall be designed primarily to offer a Framework in which individuals can progress with Dressage schooling of themselves and their horses.

The ODS Office recently offered 5 copies of the FEI Dressage Handbook Guidelines for Judging for sale.   The books were originally purchased as materials for the last L judges training program.  The handbook is well known for being beneficial for all competitors to read, not just Judges or Judge Candidates.   From the FEI website: “Authored by some of the most experienced FEI Dressage Judges, this book will prove invaluable not only to the education of Dressage Judges but also to riders and trainers at all levels. It will not only help with the understanding and clarification of the scores, but also with the awareness of the criteria outlined in the FEI Dressage Rulebook.”

Those copies were quickly snapped up and a waiting list established.  If there is enough interest, we will look into obtaining more copies for sale.  The cost for the Handbook was $44.00 including shipping/handling.  If you are interested in a copy, please call or e-mail the ODS office.

I’ve mentioned before some of the difficulties we have been having with our ODS event liability insurance process.  We continue to be plagued with last minute applications.  We understand that last minute applications may occasionally be necessary but it should be the exception, not the rule.  ODS is instituting a new process in which applications are being submitted to our insurance carrier on the first Tuesday of the month.  Be sure to have your application in by that time or will be held until the next monthly submission.

The ODS Board of Directors met April 24th at Devonwood Equestrian Center.  Many thanks to Ginny Rattner for hosting us.  We all appreciate it.

The Awards committee is making proposals to help eliminate some of the confusion surrounding the distribution of the award plaques last year.  As currently written the award criteria left some room for interpretation and misunderstanding.  We will have that all worked out for next year.

ODS Delegates to the USDF Convention were elected at the Board meeting.  Your ODS representatives will be Gaye McCabe, Jessica Rattner, Marsha Williams and Ed Miller.  If you have issues, thoughts or views you wish to have considered please let one of the delegates know.  I’ll try to keep you posted on matters to be considered by USDF as they become known.

One of the major issues discussed at the Board meeting had to do with ODS dues structure.  As I have reported before, there have been significant increases in costs associated with ODS membership benefits, most notably the increase in USDF dues, increased subscription rates for Flying Changes Magazine and printing costs.  ODS is currently operating on a lower per capita income than we were in 2004.  The bottom line is that the current ODS dues cannot cover the increased costs for next year.  Proposals have been made for increasing the ODS dues to reflect those increased costs.  The Board will vote on those proposals at the next ODS Board meeting July 31 in Eugene.

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