Region: 3
Tell us a little about yourself (your location, career, life outside of horses, etc.):
I am a retired Biology teacher who now spends time riding and traveling. I have a small farm in Ocala, Florida.
How long have you been involved with horses and dressage/USDF?
I have been involved with horses and dressage for more than 20 years.
How long have you been a PM delegate? What made you decide to accept your nomination?
I’ve been a PM Delegate for about ten years, I think. It is so much fun to be involved in governance of the sport at the national level, and to help make decisions that affect the dressage community!
What are your general duties and responsibilities as a delegate? What skills are beneficial for this role?
As a delegate, I prepare to be an involved, voting member at the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention. I review various reports, talk with friends about issues, and consider how various proposals could affect the Participating Members in my Region.
What advice do you have for potential nominees?
Do it! Get involved. Learn the background, listen to the discussions, and have your say at the microphone as well. It’s worth it!
What is an issue you are passionate about resolving in your region? Within USDF? In the horse world?
My region is incredibly diverse. We have the powerhouses of Wellington and (recently) Ocala, as well as the more rural outlying areas. I believe the concentration of recognized shows at a few “big” places is impacting the smaller, adult amateur-friendly shows… Some have had to cancel due to low attendance. To grow USDF, we must reach out to the grassroots riders.
How do you maintain communication with your Regional Director and other Participating Members to determine which issues are most important to your region?
My Regional Director is a good friend, so that helps! That said, email is our friend.
Brag about your Region! What does your Region do that other Regions could benefit from practicing?
Region 3 is amazingly diverse! It is a challenge to meet the needs of all our members. Currently, our Regional Director is helping build an Adult Amateur Championship show modeled after the Colonel Bengt Ljungquist Memorial (CBLM) Dressage Championships. We are having our third annual show this year.
Do you own, train, or hang out with any horses? If so, tell us about them!
I currently have a PRE, trained up to Grand Prix, who is teaching me to be a balanced rider… He takes no prisoners! I hope to show him later this year. A retiree and a companion round out my small barn.
Share your socials! How can your constituents contact you (email, phone number, website, social media, etc.)?
My email is meadowlarkhill@earthlink.net.
