President's Note -- November 2004

It’s been a year since I assumed the job as president of ODS. I’d like to say that it has been easy, but that wouldn’t be truthful. The experience has been valuable, however, and I thank all of you who have been involved in the organization for your help. The organization is what you have made it. It has been an eventful year. We lost strong leaders and organizers with Linda Acheson’s passing and Cynthia Prater departure from the office to pursue her doctorate. On a positive note, we’ve had considerable growth in our education fund balance. We’ve also initiated a benefit show for the education fund, and hired an enthusiastic and capable office person in Corinne Stonier.

We had a successful, (but wet!), championship show, banquet and auction. The Adult-team competition and the JR/YR shows continue to be popular with competitors. I also see many familiar ODS names in the Region 6 Championship results. Congratulations to the ODS members who made the trip to the regional championships.

Dressage education is alive and well in Oregon. The Region 6 Adult Education clinic with Walter Zettl were held at Devonwood, Christine Traurig has been to the Sherwood area a few times. Jane Savoie completed a lecture and demonstration clinic at Chestnut Ridge in October. Chapters and private individuals continue to promote clinics with local and regional clinicians. Early next year, ODS is planning to continue the USDF instructors training clinics that lead to USDF certification. Francy Haupt from the Chehalem Mountain Chapter is heading up effort. Please contact her if you are interest as the spaces are filling fast. Rose Newman will be coordinating a volunteer/show management seminar in February for interested chapters and individuals. Watch this space and your email for more details.

I’d like to thank Barb McDonald, who served as the show manager of the ODS Championships for the past five years. Barb has opted not to bid on the show contract for next year. She’s taking a well-deserved break. We will be seeking someone to replace her. If you have show management skills and a desire to work with an experience show committee, please contact the ODS office.

I want to compliment the competitors and volunteers, (as well as the show management and committee), on their sportsmanship and good humor during the ODS championship show. The weather was miserable, (and I think I rode in the worst of it!), but everyone pulled together to get through it. We have received numerous compliments from the TD and other competitors who marveled at everyone’s attitude in a difficult situation.

While I’m on the subject of sportsmanship, I’d like to direct you to one of my favorite websites, www.dressagedaily.com, to read a very nice article about ODS member Deborah Hausman’s adventure at the National Young Horse National Championships. Look in the October archives for a special feature. Congratulations, Deborah.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president the past year.

Sincerely,

John Craven

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