Department: Competitions
Job title: Senior Competitions Coordinator
What is your main task in the office?
I primarily deal with all aspects of the many different USDF awards programs such as rider awards, horse performance certificates, Adequan®/USDF Year-End awards, the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® High Score Breed Awards, and the USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program.
Members may call you concerning:
If you have questions about any of the USDF awards mentioned above, give me a call. I am happy to assist our members! I can also answer questions about USDF Benefit Classes and renting a pony measuring stick from USDF.
How long have you been with USDF?
16 years! My first day with USDF was April 3, 2006, the same day that the USDF office at the Kentucky Horse Park opened for business.
How did you get started?
I have always been in the Competitions department.
What is the favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy helping USDF members achieve their award goals! USDF offers so many different opportunities for recognition it can be a little confusing in the beginning. USDF members work hard to earn their dressage scores and helping them get the most use out of their scores is very satisfying.
What is your favorite part of USDF?
It is so hard to pick just one! I am very fortunate to work within the horse industry with so many like-minded horse people at a job that I really enjoy. Of course being located at the Kentucky Horse Park is a big plus. It has been exciting to see the US Dressage Finals evolve and know that I was there when it first started.
Share a little about yourself.
I grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania, and my first memories revolve around horses. I started riding Paints western pleasure, eventually transitioned to hunt seat, then eventing and finally, dressage. I participated in Pony Club, 4-H and numerous county fairs and horse shows. I started college thinking I wanted to become a veterinarian but quickly figured out that while I wanted to work with horses, I did not want to doctor them.
I moved to Kentucky in August of 1987 to finish my education. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Before working at USDF, I worked at many different horses farms and managed a veterinary clinic for over 13 years.
I met and married my husband, a native Kentuckian, more than 20 years ago. While we sold our horses when we purchased our current home, we are happily owned by our Australian Shepherds. I enjoy UK basketball, auctions/yard sales, gardening, movies, and doing home improvement projects. I am an avid Breyer model collector and volunteer at Breyerfest yearly as well as host model horse hobby events for local collectors.
Additional thoughts:
The USDF Member Guide is a valuable resource for the USDF member interested in USDF awards. There is a lot of useful information in that little book!
