President's Note -- December 2004

The UDSF convention will be under way November 29th-December 3rd. Several of us will be making the trek to Lexington to represent ODS and Region 6 interests in the committee work and at the Board of Govenors meeting. Although the convention will be held in the heart of horse country, there is scarce time for play during the convention. It is serious business and you can be sure the delegates are focused on the issues at hand. In preparation for the convention, delegates and GMO presidents from Region Six attended a retreat in the Seattle area during October. This was the second retreat for the year, and it was very helpful to discuss issues that will be presented at convention and how they might affect us as a region, as well as regional business.

ODS sends five representatives to the convention: the president, the office manager, and three delegates who are usually, but not necessarily, board members. The delegates commit to attending for three consecutive years, with one delegate’s term expiring each year. In this rotation, delegates can become involved at the committee/council level knowing they will return to the convention in a following year, or accept a regional position.

ODS provides a stipend to assist the delegates finance their trips. The stipends helps, but it doesn’t come close to covering the costs of the trip---especially with airfare being what it is. Add in the cost of a week away from work, and you realize that your delegates are making a personal sacrifice to do the organization’s business. I believe it is crucial for GMOs to subsidize their delegates to attend so USDF and dressage does not become elitist and governed by those who can “pay to play”.

While the convention is a lot of work, it also has some benefits. Where else can you spend a week talking dressage with just about anyone you run into? It’s fascinating to hear some of the discussions that take place. You begin to have an appreciation for our own GMO and how we operate in ODS.

At the convention, Gaye McCabe, our Region 6 director, will be recognized as Region 6 volunteer of the year. Gaye, a former ODS president and treasurer, manages to produce two large shows—one for juniors, and the other adult teams in addition to her regional responsibilities. Gaye single handedly developed the high school dressage program, which has been adopted nationally. Congratulations, Gaye! I’d also like to commend Rose Newman for being featured as a “volunteer” in the October Connections magazine. Rose is the committee chair for the ODS championship committee this year, and will also manage the 2005 Devonwood show.

I’ll report back next month with new developments from Lexington. Meanwhile, Best Wishes for the holidays.

John

Click here to see the November 2004 President's note.

Click here to see the October 2004 President's note.
Click here to see the September 2004 President's note.