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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

By Brian Sosby, USEF Communications

Lexington, KY – It’s “all hands on deck” as the final touches are being made and the horses and riders are arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park for what has become a celebrated annual event – the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. And for the 2011 competition, there are some exciting additions to this highly-regarded series of international championships.

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Hello,

Today we have posted the following forms/score sheets:

• 2011 Youth Stable Management Score Sheet
• 2011 Youth Formal Inspection (Jog) Score Sheet
• 2011 Written Study Guide

This show is to be held at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre, 25033 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood, OR 97140. Sponsored by the ODS Youth Program. Open show designed to benefit the ODS Youth Program on Friday and Operation Smile on Saturday, and team championship format open to youth only. Offering Dressage Equitation, Intro – Second level plus Musical Freestyle, Pas de Deux and Quadrille plus practice class for Third and above.  Scheduled judges are Kathy Casey (r); Linda Coates-Markle (L).  The official prize list is published here – http://www.oregondressage.com/2011_omnibus/2011-Youth-JrYrTeamChamps.pdf.

The show has closed, however, some late entries may be accepted.

For more information, contact Gaye McCabe, manager at (503) 378-0309.

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The Glisan St. USDF/ODS/JrYR Team Dressage and benefit show is  looking for scribes.  The show is August 12-14 at DevonWood. We will have 2 – 3 rings Friday and Saturday and 2 rings on Sunday.

In addition to the Jr/YR Team competition, this year we are including benefit classes.  Friday’s open benefit classes will benefit ODS Youth Programs.  On Saturday the Open classes will benefit Operation Smile.

If you are interested in sponsoring any of these classes or helping scribe please contact Gaye McCabe at the below address.  In addition, if you would like to help out we have many opportunities available.

Benefit Classes                                                                                     Fri*     Sat*

USDF Introductory Level,

USEF Training Level,

USEF First Level,

USEF Second Level, and above

USEF Third Level, and above

FRI SAT SUN — JR/YR/HS CLASS LIST —

PAC Dressage Equitation

PAC Dressage Equitation

USDF Introductory Level, Test A

USDF Introductory Level, Test B

USDF Introductory Level, Test C

USEF Training Level, Test 1

USEF Training Level, Test 2

USEF Training Level, Test 3

USEF First Level, Test 1

USEF First Level, Test 2

USEF First Level, Test 3

USEF Second Level,

USEF Third Level & above,

USDF Musical Freestyle,

USDF Pas de Deux,

USDF Quadrille ,

JR/YR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS DIVISIONS — ONE TEST RIDDEN SATURDAY, ONE SUNDAY

Division A, USDF Introductory Level Tests A

Division A, USDF Introductory Level Tests B

Division B, USDF Introductory Level Test B

Division B, USDF Introductory Level Test C

Division C, USEF Training Level Tests 1

Division C, USEF Training Level Tests 2

Division D, USEF Training Level Tests 2

Division D, USEF Training Level Tests 3

Division E, USEF First Level Tests 1

Division E, USEF First Level Tests 2

Division F, USEF First Level Tests 2

Division F, USEF First Level Tests 3

Division G, USEF Second Level Tests 1

Division G, USEF Second Level Tests 2

Gaye McCabe
j-g.mccabe@juno.com
503-378-0309

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Greetings ODS Members!

We are gearing up for this year’s summer camp! The USDF Region 6 Youth Dressage Overnight Camp, hosted by ODS and DevonWood Equestrian Centre will be held from July 5^th – July 7^th.  So far we have had excellent response and we are getting excited to see all of the camper’s happy faces on July 5^th.

We wanted to remind you that the closing date will be June 15^th.  Registration is hosted at http://camp.devonwoodec.com/ .   After you submit the registration form, we will send you a confirmation email.

Once we have all the participants registered, we will send an email with further instructions regarding payment, liability waivers, and the proof of vaccination. We will also be emailing a suggested packing list, directions, contact information for the on-call vet and farrier.

This webpage also lists the approximate schedule of activities and other details.

The camp is also accepting donations towards youth scholarships and stipends to help cover instructor expenses – if you want to contribute, please contact me.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly at jessica.rattner@devonwoodec.com.

Thank you,

Jessica Rattner

Camp Coordinator, ODS Board Member

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Greetings ODS Members!

We are gearing up for this year’s summer camp! The USDF Region 6 Youth Dressage Overnight Camp, hosted by ODS and DevonWood Equestrian Centre will be held from July 5^th – July 7^th.

To answer a few frequently asked questions:

• The minimum age limit for the camp is 8 and the maximum age limit is 21
• We are currently able to accept 70 riders to the camp
• Participants will be required to stay overnight at DevonWood Equestrian Centre from when they arrive at DevonWood on Tuesday until their departure on Thursday
• The price of the camp will be $200; this price includes food, stabling, covers the cost of hiring a licensed EMT to handle First Aid, and several other necessary expenditures to ensure that the camp is a safe and comfortable environment for all those in attendance!
• Horseless youth may attend the camp for $80; if we have enough campers without horses, we will arrange for additional activities specially for this group

In an effort to minimize the costs of attending this camp, all of the instructors and lecturers have generously donated their travel fees, time for the weekend and are being housed by friends of the camp. Additionally, DevonWood Equestrian Centre has also donated the use of their facility and staff for the weekend.

Our instructors this year include:

• Nicki Grandia
• Morgan Barrows
• Jessica Rattner
• Natalie Perry
• Meredith Crawford
• Shaun Meyers
• Heather Oleson

In an effort to conserve paper, the registration process will be done entirely via the web and email. Registration for this camp will be first come first serve. The camp is currently OPEN for registration and the closing date will be June 15^th.  Registration is at http://camp.devonwoodec.com/ .   After you submit the registration form, we will send you a confirmation email. Once we have all the participants registered, we will send an email with further instructions regarding payment, liability waivers, and the proof of vaccination. We will also be emailing a suggested packing list, directions, contact information for the on-call vet and farrier.  This webpage also lists the approximate schedule of activities and other details.

The camp is also accepting donations towards youth scholarships and stipends to help cover instructor expenses – if you want to contribute, please contact me.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly at jessica.rattner@devonwoodec.com.

Thank you,

Jessica Rattner

Camp Coordinator, ODS Board Member

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Donida Farm  “Festival –Of-Stars”. First time offered in the Northwest (USA). A Youth Dressage competition and Hack Challenge.

The show is about kids with horses…all ages and all levels. Our mission is To provide young riders, 21 years and under, the opportunity to participate in a dressage competition that is exclusively their own, in an environment that provides a fair playing field for junior riders of different age groups wherein each will compete against his/her peer group at all levels of skill, from beginners to advanced. (more…)

Lexington, KY – The search is underway for nominees for the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s 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. (more…)

Lexington, KY – Equestrian youth have a new opportunity to give back to the community - and a chance to win a $1,500 grant.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equestrians in Action program tracks youth volunteer hours that are aimed at improving the welfare of the horse or positively promoting equestrian sport. Sponsored by The EQUUS Foundation, the program encourages youth to give back to equestrian sport  -  at horse shows, equine promotional events, equine businesses or organizations, trade fairs, therapeutic riding clinics, horse rescue and 4-H events. (more…)

Photo of Jeremy Steinberg by Mary Cornelius – www.marycornelius.com

Lexington, KY (April 21, 2011) – The Platinum Performance/USDF Region 2 FEI Jr/YR Clinic held on March 26-27, 2011 proved to be a success, when eight riders from five different states convened at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek, IL, to ride with USEF National Youth Coach, Jeremy Steinberg. For the first time in the program’s history, USDF and USEF joined forces for the purpose of educating the country’s upcoming dressage riders.
Over the past several months USDF and USEF have been working in concert in order to fully develop a youth pipeline. With the naming of the new National Youth Coach, Jeremy Steinberg, it was an obvious choice for USDF when a clinician was needed to step in for a FEI Jr/YR Clinic in Region 2. Steinberg, who recently traveled to the IHS Palm Beach Derby CDI for talent scouting was more than enthusiastic to take on the clinic with only a month’s notice.
The eight riders were thrilled to hear they were selected, some traveling at least six hours to the clinic. Each day participants rode in a private session and while not riding, they attentively listened and watched their peers. At the beginning of each session Steinberg quickly noted each combination’s unique traits allowing him to customize their training objectives. The importance of being a “thinking rider” was evident throughout the clinic. By firing questions at the riders, Steinberg challenged riders to think quickly. He advised the participants that they shouldn’t just ride, but rather become the horse’s trainer.
Clinic rider, Victoria Retamoza stated, “I love Jeremy’s philosophy in many aspects.  He stated that you should always shoot far in your goals.  If you are riding a Training Level horse, train it as if you were training it to Grand Prix.  I told him that I wanted to make the Region 2 NAJYRC Young Rider Team.  Jeremy advised me that I should not just aim at making the team, but to medal.”
At lunchtime everyone gathered around for a theory discussion with Jeremy, where he not only offered great advice, but graciously answered questions from both riders and parents.
“What a great program! It is worth its weight in gold from the knowledge my daughter gathered in just two days!” stated Cathy Miller, parent of one of the participants.
At the end of the clinic, riders were sparked with enthusiasm and went home with effective training tools, new friends and inspiration for a successful future.
USEF National Youth Coach, Jeremy Steinberg, was recently added to the roster of official USDF clinicians and will be featured at more Platinum Performance/USDF FEI Jr/YR Clinics in the future.  For more information about the USDF FEI Jr/YR Clinic Series or to find specific dates and locations for upcoming clinics (available soon), visit the USDF website or contact the USDF office. The Platinum Performance/USDF FEI Jr/YR Clinic Series is made possible with funding from The Dressage Foundation.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

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