President's Note -- January 2005
Holiday Greetings,
The annual USDF convention concluded in early December. I want to share some convention highlights and observations. Lexington, Kentucky is truly the “horse capitol” of the USA. It must be a great feeling to live in an area where horses and horsemen are valued not only as the major industry, but also as a large social and cultural part of life.
| USDF moved their headquarters from Lincoln, Nebraska to Lexington several years ago. The decision was controversial, as Lincoln had been the home of USDF when it was established. I can only say that the move has paid off in multiple ways. USDF has been able to hire office staff who worked for other equestrian groups, most notably the USEF, and has attained a higher degree of professionalism that is very apparent. Additionally, USDF has benefited from the synergy of being located in the same city as other national equestrian organizations. The convention kicked off a major fund raising effort to build the permanent home of USDF in the Kentucky Horse Park. You’ll be hearing more about the capital campaign and what we can do to assist the fund raising effort. | 
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Major changes of interest approved at the convention, (effective 2006), are higher qualifying scores for the regional championships, synchronizing the GMO membership year with the USDF membership year, and the addition of a “family” membership option with a lower affiliate dues rate. The additional family member will be a “secondary” member who will not receive publications, and for most purposes be only eligible for GMO activities. |
There was considerable discussion among trainers, coaches, and judges regarding the use of the double bridle in Third Level tests. There were compelling arguments for and against using the double with nearly a even split of those in attendance. It was announced that no change would be implemented until the new 2007 dressage tests are issued.. The new tests, while still in development, sound like they will be very close to the current tests with some changes for rideability and judging ease. There will be an effort to make the Fourth level tests more inviting so riders will use them instead of skipping to the Prix St. George test.
ODS/Region 6 Group at the Salute Gala. Back Row L to R: Lothar Pinkers, Biagina Lazaroni, John Craven, Kaye Phaneuf. Front Row L to R: Rose Newman, Kim Barker, Gaye McCabe, Corinne Stonier. | At the Salute Gala, Robert Dover commented on his Olympic experience and announced his intent to create an “American Dressage Idol” contest. He will accept videos of riders 25 years of age and younger to select five applicants who will spend the month of April riding with Robert at his facility. He will fund stabling, daily lessons and lodging for the applicants and has pledged to help the students as a mentor. | 
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The theme of the National Symposium, “The Development of the Dressage Horse”—from breeding to FEI, was emphasized the convention. The Dressage Sport Horse Breeders committee is stressing the need to get young horses started correctly with appropriate professionals. The Instructors and Trainers committee is interested in creating a module within their certification series on the starting young horses. The two groups will be working together towards mutually beneficial programs. Sport Horse handling classes, materiale, and the young horse classes were discussed in several committees
| Lastly, I was very proud of Jessica Rattner who addressed the entire assembly of delegates in her capacity as president of the Youth Executive Board. Jessica gratefully acknowledged the efforts, sacrifices and support that is provided to the youth and young rider programs by USDF and it’s many volunteers. Her eloquent and heartfelt thanks was welcomed by an audience who sometimes loses a long-term perspective of future of dressage and the importance of the youth programs. | 
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Best wishes for the holidays and New Year,
John
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.