USDF  Current News

NEWS RELEASE November 16, 2007

2007 Group Member Organization (GMO) Award Winners Announced at Annual Convention
Lexington, KY (December 6, 2007) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to congratulate all of the winners of the 2007 GMO Awards, which were presented during the Board of Governor’s General Assembly at the 2007 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention at the end of November. These awards are given annually to recognize outstanding GMO newsletter and Web site layout and design, first person experience articles, general interest articles, and volunteers. Also included are the winners of the inaugural “Grow Your GMO Challenge” and recognition of three grant recipients from the Ruth Arvanette Memorial Fund that provides financial assistance for deserving individuals to attend the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention. This year’s winners were:
GMO Newsletter Awards:

Layout/Design:
GMOs with less than 75 members: Brazos Association of Classical Horsemanship, Bach Notes, February 2007
GMOs with 75 to 174 members: Southern Eventing & Dressage Association, Off Course, May/June 2007
GMOs with 175 to 499 members: Dressage Association of Southern California, Collected Comments, May/June 2007
GMOs with 500 or more members: New England Dressage Association, A Tip of the Hat, August 2007

First Person Experience Article: Gold Coast Dressage Association, Flying Changes, August/September 2007: After the Fall by Tracey Winter

General Interest/Informatory Article: Houston Dressage Society, Collective Remarks, September 2006: Lightness - An Elusive Quality by Paul Kathen

GMO Web Site Awards:
Layout/Design:
GMOs with less than 75 members: Crossroads Dressage & Combined Training Association (www.cdcts.org)
GMOs with 75 to 174 members: Southern Eventing & Dressage Association (www.sedariders.org)
GMOs with 175 to 499 members: South Carolina Dressage & Combined Training Association (www.scdcta.com)
GMOs with 500 or more members: New England Dressage Association (www.neda.org)

Regional GMO Volunteers of the Year:
Region 1: Alison Head (Hamilton, VA - Virginia Dressage Association)
Region 2: Theresa Luley (Sheridan, IN - Indiana Dressage Association)
Region 6: Francy Haupt (Newberg, OR - Oregon Dressage Society)
Region 8: Diane Holston (Athol, MA - New England Dressage Association)
Region 9: Marilyn Kulifay (Houston, TX - Houston Dressage Society)

Grow Your GMO Challenge:
GMOs with less than 75 members: South Carolina Dressage & Combined Training Association (315.79% growth)
GMOs with 75 to 174 members: Central Texas Dressage Society (112.5% growth)
GMOs with 175 to 499 members: Dressage Association of Southern California (27.86% growth)
GMOs with 500 or more members: Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association (12.71% growth)

Ruth Arvanette Memorial Fund Grants
1. Guy R. Vaughn (Sonoita, AZ)
2. Robyn Comeau (Kathleen, GA)
3. Carol A. Voogd (Spokane, WA)

For more information on GMOs in your area or GMO award programs, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF GMO Council liaison at gmoliaison@usdf.org.
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 on USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

NEWS RELEASE November 16, 2007

USDF Announces New Associate and Certified Instructors

Lexington, KY (November 16, 2007) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its new USDF Associate and Certified Instructors. The USDF Instructor Certification Program is designed to set a standard of excellence in dressage training and instruction in the United States and to educate dressage riders, instructors, and aspiring instructors.
New USDF Associate Instructors include; Valerie Dunaway of Spotsylvania, VA, Janet Reed of San Diego, CA, Estelle Price of Ortega, NY, Claudia Springer-Misner of Walnut Grove, MO, Jennifer Moran of Heymarket, VA, Kenneth Levy of Noblesville, IN, Jane Lafferior of New Brighton, MN, and Jane Kelly of Tecumseh, MI.
New USDF Certified Instructors include; Stacy Murphy of Cranston, RI, and Michele Barnard of Richmond, MA, at Training through Second Level and Katherine Wood-Copa of Lima, NY, at Training through Fourth Level.
“It is our pleasure to recognize these accomplished individuals and we are proud to have them as representatives of the USDF Instructor Certification Program,” stated Kathie Robertson, USDF Senior Programs and Education Coordinator.
For more information on the USDF Instructor Certification Program, to view a calendar of USDF Instructor Certification Workshop or Testing dates, or to obtain details on hosting a workshop or testing session, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF programs and education department at instructorcertification@usdf.org.

NEWS RELEASE August 27, 2007

 NEWS RELEASE August 17, 2007

USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships Results

Lexington, KY (August 17, 2007) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and Platinum Performance congratulate the juniors and young riders who competed at the USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Riders Dressage Championships August 1-5, 2007 in Lexington, VA.  This is the premier competition for FEI Juniors and Young riders age 14-21. Riders are invited to compete from each province of Canada, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) zone (for show jumping), USDF region (for dressage), and US Eventing Association area (for eventing), as well as from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and Bermuda via each country's national equestrian federation.

US riders took home 27 out of 36 medals in the Junior and Young Riders’ Dressage division. Region 7 (Liberte/Amanda Harlan, Luciano/Emily Tears, Rockette DG/ Jaclyn Meinen, and Diamo 10/Crystalyn Hoffman) won the Young Rider Team Gold, Region 2 (Cinbad /Brittany McCarthy, Woody Allen/Noel Williams, Gabriella/Kassandra Barteau, and Othello/Lauren Walfish) took home the Team Silver, and Region 3 (Douwe/Devon Kane, Rigaudon/Caroline Roffman, Lipton/ Kayce Redmond, and Palladio/Jamie Gillispie) won the Team Bronze.  Douwe /Devon Kane, (Region 3) won the Young Rider Individual Gold Medal, the Silver Medal went to Elektra /Alexandra Duncan, (Canada Group A), and the Bronze to Gabriella /Kasandra Barteau(Region 2). Canadian horse and rider combinations swept the Freestyle, winning all three medals. The Gold went to Elektra/ Alexandra Duncan, Silver to Westside Lady/Leah Wilson and the Bronze to Dobble Tyme /Julie Watchorn.  The Canadian Junior team (Mastermind/Jade Deter, Fleurina /Jaimie Holland, Danika/Sara Regehr, and Oslo/Lindsay Seidel-Wassenaar) won the Gold Medal, Region 2 (Ramses/ Kristen Becker, Sacramento/Katie Foster, Gable/ Allesandra McGinnis, and Sjoerd/Ashlee Todosijevic) won the Silver, and the Bronze went to Region 1(Magie Noir/ Bonnie Efird, Polomas/Elizabeth Kelemen, Nelzon/Jillian Kemenosh, and Lascar/Nicole DelGiorno). The Junior Individual Gold Medal went to Mastermind/Jade Deter (Canada), the Silver to Ramses/ Kristen Becker (Region 2), and the Bronze to Jonkara/ Mackinzie Pooley (Region 7). The Junior Freestyle gave Mastermind/Jade Deter their third Gold Medal, Ramses/Kristen Becker their third Silver Medal, and Jonkara/ Mackenzie Pooley their second Bronze Medal. A complete list of US results may be found on the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org 

Alexandra Duncan and her mare Electra from West Vancouver, BC were awarded this year’s Fiona Baan “The Pursuit of Excellence” perpetual trophy. The USDF presents this award to the young rider in the dressage portion of the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships who receives the highest average percentage score for all three of their dressage rides:  Team, Individual and Freestyle.

“The Pursuit of Excellence” is the legacy Fiona Baan left to all the FEI Young Riders, and indeed to everyone who ever knew or worked with her. For nearly 30 years Ms. Baan worked tirelessly with great dedication to the United States Equestrian Team (USET). She was US Dressage Team leader for the 1976 Olympics, in which the US won the Bronze Medal, the 1987 Pan Am Games, and for the Bronze Medal dressage team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

The trophy resides in the Roemer Foundation/ USDF Hall of Fame, and has been awarded since 1994.

NEWS RELEASE August 6, 2007

2007 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention to Focus on Horse Health

            Lexington, KY (August 6, 2007) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that the 2007 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention, to be held November 28 - December 2, 2007 in Orlando, Florida, will focus entirely on horse health education.  USDF has partnered with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to provide fourteen in-depth sessions with some of the world’s top equestrian veterinarians on issues such as digestive health, joint health, footing and contagious disease.  This is the first time that USDF has offered such an extensive educational curriculum in three days with such a vast panel of experts at the annual convention. 

            Held annually at different locations across the U.S., the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention includes educational sessions and the yearly business of the federation.  This event offers the rare opportunity for everyone to see the inner-workings of the USDF, have a say in the decision making process and to be completely immersed in education. 

            “This is an unbelievable line-up of speakers. I honestly don’t think you could find a group of vets of this caliber all speaking in the same place - but we have them. The topics are all timely and appropriate for many different styles of riding besides dressage so we are inviting everyone in the equine industry to join us for this incredible educational event,” stated USDF Director of Marketing Linda Schultz. 

            Confirmed topics and speakers include: Impact of Arena Footing on Soundness with Nick Attwood of Attwood Equestrian Surfaces, Mark Martinelli, DVM, MS, PhD, the on-call surgeon during the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals, and Hilary Clayton, BRCVS, PhD, MRCVS; New Concepts in Equine Lameness: Thinking Outside the Box with Richard Markell, DVM, treating vet for the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals, leading a panel of Olympic-level veterinarians including Dr. Tim Ober, Dr. Caroline Weinberg, and Dr. Philippe Benoit; New Technologies in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lameness in the Dressage Horse, with Mark Martinelli, DVM, MS, PhD, who served as on-call surgeon for the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals; Conformation and Its Influence on Lameness in the Dressage Horse with Erin Denney-Jones, DVM, FEI recognized veterinarian, and 1996 Olympic Games veterinarian; Alternative Therapies with Heather Hiederich, DVM, who is a highly sought speaker in the field of alternative therapies; Complete Rehabilitation and Preventative Care for the Equine Athlete with Kirsten Johnson, owner of the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center; Through the Looking Glass: New Diagnostic Tools to Evaluate Digestive Tract Health and Disease with Scott Carter, PhD in nutrition and biotechnology and Frank Pellegrini, DVM; Functional Feeding: Maximizing Health and Performance with Lindsey White, MS; Preserving the Foundation: An In-Depth Look at Hoof Care with Stephen O’Grady, DVM, MRCVS, and professional farrier for ten years prior to obtaining his degree in veterinary medicine; Management of Contagious Diseases: Vaccination and Biosecurity Protocols with Rob Holland, DVM and senior veterinarian at Pfizer Animal Health; Conditioning the Dressage Horse with Dr. Hilary Clayton, whose studies on the biomechanics of the equine gait have focused on sport horses; Understanding the USEF/FEI Medication Rules; How not to get your horse to test positive! with Kent Allen, DVM, who served as the United States Equestrian Team vet for several international teams and as vice chairman of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Veterinary Committee; What Your Performance Horse Wants You to Know with Duncan Peters, DVM, MS, FEI licensed equine veterinarian, and head of The Sport Horse Program of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute; and the feature presentation Performance Partners through Pilates: Develop Your Horse through Better Riding which will serve as a panel discussion featuring Dr. Hilary Clayton and Betsy Steiner, American World Championship team member.

NEWS RELEASE July 13, 2007

USDF Announces Dressage Teams for the 2007 North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships (NAJYRC)

USDF Announces Dressage Teams for the 2007 North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships (NAJYRC)

Lexington, KY ( July 12, 2007) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today the riders selected to represent the United States in dressage at the 2007 CN North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships (NAJYRC) to be held July 31-August 5, 2007 at the Virginia Horse Center, in Lexington, Virginia.  A total of sixty-four Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) junior and young riders will represent all nine USDF regions. 

USDF Region 1 Junior Team: Bonnie Efird and Magie Noir, Elizabeth Kelemen and Palomos, Jillian Kemenosh and Nelzon, Nicole DelGiorno and Lascar

USDF Region 1 Young Riders’ Team: Ryan Michelle Eskridge and Rubin, Hannah Holland Shook and Cape Town, Sarah Cunningham and Ivan, Ana Di Gironimo and Cadanz    

USDF Region 2 Junior Team: Kristen Becker and Ramses, Katie Foster and Sacramento, Allessandra McGinnis and Gable, Ashlee Todosijevic and Sjoerd

USDF Region 2 Young Riders’ Team: Brittany McCarthy and Cinbad, Noel Williams and Woody Allen, Kassandra Barteau and Gabriella, Lauren Walfish and Othello

USDF Region 3 Junior Team: Jessica Deimler and Sion’s Shadow, Lora Kay Witterstaeter and Weltkaar, Katrin Dagge and Ladinor, Sarah Magbee and Lucky Mann

USDF Region 3 Young Riders’ Team:  Devon Kane And Douwe, Caroline Roffman and Rigaudon, Kayce Redmond and Lipton,  Jamie Gillispie and Palladio

USDF Region 4 Junior Team: Kristina Wang and Belladiva, Hans Baertsch and Rubinstar GB, Tessa Dick and Umberto Van De Denen, Lauren Gorton and Don Perry

USDF Region 4 Young Riders’ Team: Jena Dick and Walhall, Emily Wagner and Molinari, Makenzie Rath and Calido 49, Katie Alms and Roodepoort II

USDF Region 5 Junior Team: Danielle Culver and Florian, Laura DeCesari and Domino B2,  Cassy Fitch and Kilroy, Holly Bergay and Solilquy.

USDF Region 5 Young Riders’ Team: Greta Barringer-Richers and Lewis, Kathryn Cross and Weltee, Christina Rudman and Oebalia, Lindsey Grindle and Cristofori.

USDF Region 6 Junior Team: Taryn Briones and Ghita, Claire Cox and Nirvana

USDF Region 6 Young Riders’ Team: Chelsea Seburn and Rolex, Emily Anderson and Don Cheron, Courtney Briones and Frisco, Maya Dalla Valle and Tiolivi

USDF Region 7 Junior Team: Mackinzie Pooley and Jonkara

USDF Region 7 Young Riders’ Team: Amanda Harlan and Liberte, Emily Tears and Luciano, Jaclyn Meinen and Rockette DG, Crystalyn Hoffman and Diamo 10

USDF Region 8 Junior Team: Alexa Rice and Maarten, Meagan Davis and Cachet, Marlee O’Neil and Oblahdie, Ariel Matisse and Phantom.

USDF Region 8 Young Riders’ Team: Jocelyn Wiese and Lamborghini, Ashley Peterson and Mozaiek, Lee Cross and Birkman, Emma Gaskell and Figaro

USDF Region 9 Junior Team: Andrew Phillips and Caruso The Great

USDF Region 9 Young Riders’ Team: Jessica Blackmon and Irnas, Andreanna Stucker and Poetry in Motion, Faith Morris and Mentor, Rachel Campbell and Wandango  

The NAJYRC is an exciting competition with a format similar to the Olympics, with teams of riders from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda competing in dressage, eventing and show jumping.  This is only the second year that juniors will be competing in this Olympic-like event.

Complete qualifying results can be found at www.usdf.org. Additional information concerning the CN North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships can also be found at www.youngriders.org.

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.

NEWS RELEASE July 6, 2007

USDF Rider Score Checks Now Available Online

            Lexington, KY (July 5, 2007) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that competitors now have access to a rider score check for the 2007 competition year, available on the USDF Web site.  This new feature allows individuals to track all scores earned during the current competition year, no matter the number of different horses ridden.  A reference tool for our members, this score check is also an acceptable form of score verification that can be submitted with the USDF Rider Award Report Form when applying for the USDF Bronze, Silver, or Gold Rider Medals; Master’s Challenge; or USDF Musical Freestyle Bronze, Silver, or Gold Bars.      

            In addition to the current year rider score checks, USDF also offers cumulative, multi-year score checks for both horse and rider.  These can be purchased from the USDF office for a minimal fee.  With these new capabilities, competitors can stay more informed of their progress during the year, or throughout their lives.  To request a multi-year score check, individuals must contact the USDF office at (859) 971-2277 or via e-mail at competitions@usdf.org.   

 NEWS RELEASE JULY 2, 2007

USDF Announces Winners of Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Awards


Lexington, KY (July 2, 2007) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that Alison E. Wilson is the 2007 recipient of the USDF IMO Team Leadership Award and Meredith Lynn Fish has been awarded the 2007 USDF IMO Senior Athletic Achievement Award. These awards were developed to recognize outstanding students who are members of USDF Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Member Organizations (IMOs).
Alison E. Wilson, a 2007 graduate of Mt. Holyoke College (MHC), was nominated for the Team Leadership Award by Rebecca Schurink, IMO representative and dressage team coach for Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. In accordance with award criteria, the judging panel reviewed Wilson’s personal essay, resume, college transcript, and letters of recommendation. Wilson, of Oak Bluffs, MA, was recognized for her ability to inspire her peers, along with her organizational skills and fundraising efforts on behalf of the MHC intercollegiate dressage team. Samuel Mitchell, Chair and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mt. Holyoke College, noted in his recommendation letter that “Ali represents what the student athlete was supposed to be, a young woman who has integrated the discipline and leadership of athletic interests to the benefit of her academic work.”
Meredith Lynn Fish, a 2007 graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, earned the Senior Athletic Achievement Award. To be eligible for this award, candidates must earn at least a 3.5 GPA and must have been a member of their IMO for at least one year, including their senior year. Fish, of Gastonia, NC, was nominated by her intercollegiate dressage team coach, Jackie Dwelle, to recognize Meredith’s attainment of a cumulative 3.7055 GPA.
The USDF Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Membership (IM) category was developed to provide students access to USDF educational programs and to recognize achievement of member organizations and their student members. This membership is available to students who attend IMO schools. Any school from middle school through college that offers an equestrian studies program or student equestrian club can join USDF as an IMO. USDF works closely with the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) to promote dressage interest and competitions among member schools.

News Release June 18, 2007

News Release March 31, 2007

News Release March 23, 2007

Record Prize Money Announced for Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships

Lexington, KY (May 23, 2007) – United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that the 2007 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships will award prize money of almost $130,000 divided among the nine regions.  Champions will each receive $278, a jacket provided by Swedish Exclusive, Inc. and an embroidered Saratoga Horseworks walking sheet.  Reserve Champions will each receive $185 and a lead shank from the Great American Insurance Group, title sponsor of the championships.

Every year Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships are held in each of the nine USDF regions.  As a direct result of the support of this program by the Great American Insurance Group, these championships have continued to flourish and grow.  Competitors around the country compete in United States Equestrian Federation-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions throughout the competition season to qualify to compete in these championships. 

“It is with great pleasure that we provide additional recognition to these outstanding competitors through our sponsorship of the regional championship program,” agreed Kathy Stringer, Great American Insurance Group Marketing Director of the Equine Division, Ken Standlee, President of the Equine Division, and Jim Mitchell, Vice President of the Farm Division. 

“We’re so pleased with the growth of this program through the help of all our generous sponsors,” adds Cindy Vimont, Senior Director of Member Services. It’s always great to be able to give something back to our members and this prize money is a big way we can do that.”

        To learn more about the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships or for qualifying requirements, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF at regchamps@usdf.org.

       
        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.

News Release March 10, 2007

New Dates for the 2007 Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference

News Release April 10, 2007

P R E S S R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release

Contact: Athena Haresign

301.526.8273/info@pvdarideforlife.org

Potomac Valley Dressage Association hosts Dancing Horse fundraiser to benefit the

Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Center

        Baltimore, MD (April 10, 2007) - The Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) is hosting an evening performance of dancing horses to raise funds for the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Center in Baltimore, MD at its Ride for Life benefit dressage horse show on June 30, 2007.

        The Potomac Valley Dressage Association expects to raise over $50,000 for the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Center from its fourth annual Ride for Life. 

        Proceeds will be donated to the Johns Hopkins Quality of Life Research Fund which provides financial resources for research in breast cancer survivorship.

Olympic level horses will dance to their favorite music with the winners chosen by the audience in a special “Bribe the Judge” fundraiser. In addition, spectators will enjoy horses and riders performing in costumes, humor on horseback, and jousting.

Spectators welcome!
When: Saturday June 30, 2007 - Doors open at 6 pm
Where: Prince Georges Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena
Fee: $10 donation at the door - children under 12 free
Contact Ride for Life director: Athena Haresign 301.526.8273

News Release April 2, 2007

DressageTrainingOnline.com Signed as USDF Streaming Video Partner

        Lexington, KY (April 2, 2007) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that Dressage Training Online (DTO) has signed on as USDF’s partner for video content.  DTO and USDF share the goal of delivering education and furthering the learning of dressage enthusiasts. 

        This partnership was developed to aid in distributing the horse health educational information that will be available at the 2007 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Orlando, FL, and other USDF sponsored events.  USDF looks for this partnership to be a mutually beneficial endeavor for years to come and is very excited to have such a prominent resource in dressage education on board with this venture. 

        “We are very happy to join in USDF’s mission to provide dressage education and promote the sport to the masses and look forward to continued growth in this area through our partnership. “To allow enthusiasts an opportunity to learn by viewing valuable educational content online is a real breakthrough in terms of traditional education.  This online content can help the rider take their education to the next level!” stated Reisa Bonetti, owner of Dressage Training Online. Because of USDF’s reach in the dressage community, the educational material compiled and provided by DTO will be available to many more dressage riders and enthusiasts.

        Linda Schultz, USDF Director of Marketing, agreed and added, “We’re happy to partner with an organization as dedicated to providing educational resources as Dressage Training Online, and look for this partnership to benefit not only USDF members, but the dressage community as a whole.”