President's Note -- February 2005

The ODS Chapter Presidents and Board retreat was held January 8th and 9th at Silver Creek Falls. This annual event serves as the primary planning meeting for the ODS activities and it affords us a weekend to discuss issues in depth. This year, we had 16 board and chapter representatives in attendance. Three reps were unable to come due to the snowstorm that closed I-5 in Southern Oregon. I appreciate the effort everyone makes to attend, especially after the busy holiday season and inclement weather.

It was a productive weekend! Marsha Williams, the president of the Central Oregon Chapter in Bend has agreed to be an East Region representative to the board. Rose Newman reviewed the plans for her February show-management seminar. A publications committee was formed to review the ODS Policy and Procedures manual, the omnibus, membership roster and test booklet. We are investigating the possibilities of a state championship show for our league shows in 2006. Look for a sport horse handler’s clinic in the Portland area in late Spring/early summer. We are reviewing various initiatives to streamline our office procedures for our payroll and banking needs.

Region Six Director, Gaye McCabe, reviewed USDF regional and national issues including the capital campaign to build the USDF home office, the USDF family membership option, and a change of venue for the Region Six Championships. The board will be looking at various membership options at up coming board meetings in order to offer family memberships during the 2005 fall membership renewal.

In addition, the group reviewed the progress/problems of the on-going projects and programs the board coordinates: the demo riders and booth at the NW Horse Expo, the instructors certification series, the Jr./Yr show, the adult team show, the high school dressage program, the ODS championship show, the awards and the championship show banquet. These programs are led by board members, or committee/program chairs, which report to board. I think this is an impressive list of activities for this small group to accomplish and I appreciate their leadership. Of course they could not do it without the help of the chapter members. Please continue to support these activities with your assistance.

Andrea Marek, president of the North Willamette Valley chapter discussed her experience in producing the Jane Savoie seminar last fall. This lead to a discussion regarding the various funding sources that are available to chapters through USDF or the Dressage Foundation, and the role that ODS can play centrally. If chapters are interested in sponsoring similar educational activities, please contact me, or the office, to discuss how we can partner to promote your event.

Please watch your email, or check the website for two upcoming events:

• On February 19th, Rose Newman is presenting a seminar on “How to put on a Dressage Show”. This is a one-day seminar that is aimed at aspiring show managers and secretaries. The speakers include experienced show managers, TDs, and show secretaries. They will cover the steps needed to put on a show whether it is a schooling show, a league show or a recognized show. This is an excellent opportunity for chapters to send someone who might be interested in serving as show management but who lacks experience.
• On February 26th and 27th, the first clinic of the 2005 Instructor’s Certification series will take place at Devonwood Equestrian Centre. Gerhard Politz will conduct the “Lunging the Horse” clinic. This is a great auditing opportunity. The audit fee includes lunch and break refreshments and an opportunity to interact with the instructor. More information is already available about future clinics that will feature Lilo Fore and Cindy Sydnor. Auditor and demo rider applications are on-line. As always, if you do not have Internet access, feel free to contact Corinne in the office who will connect you to the appropriate person.

Happy riding,

John

Click here to see the January 2005 President's note.
Click here to see the December 2004 President's note.
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.