What is your committee’s mission?
To recognize and celebrate the rich heritage of dressage in America through education and promotion.
How long have you been on this committee?
About five years.
How long have you been the committee chair?
Two years.
How did you get involved in the sport of dressage?
I saw a class being run at an Arabian show and decided to try it. I thought that a 20 meter circle looked easy! LOL
How did you get involved with USDF?
One year, a Participating Member delegate could not attend the annual convention and there were no others nominated. The current Region 3 Director, John Kimball, suggested my name to Lowell Boomer. Lowell gave me a personal call, inviting me. That was Houston, about 30 years ago. I haven’t missed a meeting since.
How did you get involved with the committee?
I actually suggested the idea at a Board Meeting that I think was in Albuquerque, when I was Regional Director. The idea was planted when I was sweeping out my barn with winter boarders early during the Florida Circuit. We all agreed that there were so many people we needed to remember in the founding of US Dressage.
What is your favorite part of being involved with this committee?
I love the small face-to-face meeting at the annual convention. People drop in to see what we are about and almost always make suggestions that we can use for possible Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement, and now Member of Distinction candidates.
What unique qualifications made you an expert in the committee’s area?
I hate to say it, but age (and a good memory) doesn’t hurt.
What has been your committee’s greatest accomplishment, or what do you hope to accomplish during your tenure?
With the help of the USDF office, we have presented some fascinating and engaging recipients at the Salute Gala & Annual Awards Banquet. It’s a venue that reaches a lot of riders, who, in turn, will impact our sport.
Please share a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am a “recovering” High School English teacher, who decided, with my husband, to build a farm and explore the facets of horsemanship and particularly dressage. I’ve been a competitor, breeder, trainer, instructor, show manager, show secretary, technical delegate, and judge. I was born in Concord, Massachusetts and grew up in Fort Myers, Florida. Always horse crazy, I will never get tired of looking at horses.
Do you currently compete in dressage, or have you competed in the past?
I have competed through Grand Prix in dressage and the Advanced level in combined driving. I still compete in driving.
Please share a favorite dressage-related memory.
The opening ceremonies of the World Equestrian Games, particularly Aachen and Normandy. After all the travel to get there, you really believe that the journey is worth it!
What horse impacted your love for the sport the most?
Condor, a Holsteiner that I imported in the early 80’s. We went from Second Level to Intermediare 1. My only regret is that I was learning, too. I always wished that he had been my next horse.
