In Nebraska in 1973, Hardin Crawford, Arlene Rigdon, Chuck Grant, Migi Serrell,
and Sally O’Connor join in a lively discussion
After the framework was put in place following the organizational meeting in February 1973, it was time to fill in the structure that would become USDF. The USDF’s inaugural business meeting was held in November 1973, once again in Linclon, with more than 50 participants representing 22 organizations. Stephen Schwartz, from California Dressage Society, became the first USDF president and Lazelle Knock who represented four East Coast clubs, was elected vice president.
Since then, USDF has held a convention for its members every year. USDF will meet this year in St. Louis, MO, November 30 – December 3, 2016. We take this opportunity to take a look back through the years.
Stephen Schwartz, USDF’s first presidentCaptain John ‘Jack’ Fritz was asked to chair the founding meeting. Fritz handled the meeting with authority, interspersed with his trademark humor, and was instrumental in getting everyone to work togetherIn 1974, Horse of the Year Awards and bronze, silver and gold rider medals were introduced
1976-2001
Kay Meredith, who became president in 1977; Ivan Bezugloff Jr., USDF’s first treasurer; and outgoing president Stephen Schwartz at the 1976 conventionUSDF founding member Migi Serrell at the 1978 USDF convention. Her American Dressage Institute was the closet to a national dressage academy the US has had.USDF founding member and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient John “Jack” Kimbal (FL) at the 1987 USDF awards banquet
New England Dressage Association past president Paul Cormier at the 2001 USDF conventionTo usher in 2002, USDF’s “Year of the Freestyle,” the 2001 convention featured a panel with freestyle experts Kay Meredith, Tom Noone, Sue Blinks, and Janet Foy
2010
USDF Bylaws Committee Chair Chris Trentelman is at the podium, flanked by (from left) USDF staffer Deborah Dunivant, USDF Secretary Janine Malone, USDF President George Williams, Parliamentarian Kirk Overbey, and USDF Executive Director Stephan HienzschHonorees, award winners, and their families and friends gather in the ballroom for the Salute Gala and Annual Awards BanquetNew England Dressage Association President Paul Cormier and USEF dressage technical advisor Anne Gribbons at the Salute Gala
2011
USDF Historical Recognition Committee Chair Anne Moss (PA) gets chummy with a life-sized nutcracker
Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki (left), was the 2011 Adequan®/USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year. With her are USDF president George Williams, rider Steffen Peters, and Luitpold Animal Health (makers of Adequan®) senior manager Allyn Mann.
USDF President George Williams gets a kiss from USDF Adult Amateur Grand Prix Trophy winner Melissa HoganView of San Diego Bay and the city beyond from the Cabrillo National Monument and Old Point Loma Lighthouse
2012
GMO baskets on displayMardi Gras-masked members of the Southern Eventing and Dressage Association staffed a “tourist info” tableUSDF Treasurer Steve Schubert’s got ’em—perhaps to celebrate the uneventful passage of the USDF budget
2013 – The 40th Anniversary of USDF
Board of Governors delegates enjoyed a USDF 40th-anniversary cake and cupcakes at the conventionSilent auction items, USDF and sponsor displays, and more beckon convention-goersTrainer, author, and judge Charles de Kunffy (center) is inducted into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame by USDF Historical Recognition Committee chair Anne Moss and USDF President George Williams
This article received First Place in the 2023 GMO Newsletter Awards for general interest articles for GMOs with 175-499 members. It appeared in the March 2023 SCDCTA Newsletter, Tracking Up.
