Your Handy Guide to Pre-Convention Committee Meetings – Open to All USDF Members

Part of the: Technical Council

Mission: To foster, encourage, and advocate for the full integration of para dressage into the USDF structure and mission in a way that effectively embraces and represents the true ‘parallels’ of dressage and its benefits, as well as serving as a resource to outside entities on para-dressage-related topics and opportunities.

Goals:

1. To increase the inclusion of para dressage within the organization.
2. To enhance para dressage offerings and participation at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions.
3. To establish a national pathway for para dressage athletes to progress through the sport comparable to those available to able-bodied athletes.
4. To review and update all USDF para dressage athlete, instructor/trainer, and official education related to topics such as professional careers and development.
5. To serve as a resource on para dressage-specific guidelines and best practices, and other topics of interest that serve the committee’s overall mission.

Committee Members: Jennifer Baumert (chair), Ross Creech (liaison), Carole Lee Laulis, Eleanor Brimmer, Fiona Howard, Holly Bergay, Megan McQueeney, Tina Wentz, Bettina Longaker, Lehua Custer, Jean Kraus, Kristi Wysocki, and Joan Williams

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/para-dressage.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 10/14 at 5:45 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Technical Council

Mission: To provide a network of competition managers and secretaries to promote quality and compliant dressage competitions.

Goals:

1. Provide competition management education.
2. Increase the number and quality of recognized competitions.
3. Review and communicate United States Equestrian Federation rule change proposals.
4. Provide the appropriate tools and processes for successful competitions.
5. Strengthen the communication between the Competition Management Committee and other committees, as well as the USDF office staff.

Committee Members: Marinea C. St. Amand (chair), Kevin Bradbury (vice chair), Elena Sandidge (liaison), Kathryn Grisolia, Debra J Reinhardt, Carlie Evans, Andrea Danielle Davenport, Heather Elizabeth Petersen, Michael Lee Taylor, Regina Antonioli, Anita Jaffe, and Marilyn Kulifay

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/compmanagement.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 10/14 at 6:45 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Activities Council

Mission: To develop educational opportunities and international competition experiences for riders, ages 12-21, who ride at the FEI-sanctioned Pony, Children, Junior and Young Rider levels.

Goals:

1. Select and provide teams for the North American Youth Championships (NAYC)
2. Promote team spirit and competition among riders.
3. Provide clinics and educational opportunities.

Committee Members: Roberta C Williams (chair), Sarah Audrey Hollander (advisor), Laura Roberts (advisor), George Williams (advisor), Sarah Delahanty (liaison), Debbie DelGiorno, Rosalind Sue Kinstler, Elizabeth H Molloy, Nancy L Gorton, Joan Naden Clay, Nicki N Grandia, Ann Boehning, Roberta Carleton, Shari Wolke, Sara Mosqueda, and Marsha Jane Lewis

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/feijryr.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Thursday, 10/16 at 8:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Activities Council

Mission: To promote dressage to young equestrians while providing for the future of the sport.

Goals:

1. Provide educational opportunities.
2. Provide recognition programs.
3. Encourage and increase youth membership and participation.
4. Promote youth sportsmanship.

Committee Members: Rosalind Sue Kinstler (chair), Sarah Delahanty (staff liaison), Kathy M Rowse, Laurie Moore , Elizabeth H Molloy, Roberta C Williams, Sophia Elizabeth Schults, Julie A Barringer-Richers, Rebecca Marie Harris, and Lendon F Gray

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/youthcomm.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Monday, 10/20 at 7:45 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Administrative Council

Mission: To procure quality candidates to govern the United States Dressage Federation.

Goals:

1. Secure nominations for regional Participating Member (PM) delegates and the USDF Executive Board.
2. Ensure that all Group Member Organization (GMO) members are represented on the Board of Governors by GMO delegates.
3. Educate the membership about the candidates and oversee the election process.

Committee Members: Linda Marie Mendenhall (chair), Sarah Garn (liaison), Lori M Kaminski, Molly Fine, Danielle Perry, Lin R Nelson-Mayson, Ann Damiano, Tabitha Ann Hopp, Paula K Langan, Kathleen J O’Connor, and Alecia Daniel

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/nominating.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Monday, 10/20 at 8:30 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Technical Council

Mission: To provide a comprehensive educational program for the entire dressage community to learn about the equestrian discipline of dressage from the judge’s point of view.

Goals:

1. Provide trainers, instructors, competitors and spectators insight into the evaluative techniques of judging dressage.
2. Prepare and evaluate candidates who wish to pursue entry into the USEF ‘r’ Judge Training Program.
3. Provide continuing education for licensed judges and L graduates.
4. Select and provide teaching materials to L faculty members.

Committee Members: Joan K Darnell (chair), Kathy M Rowse (vice chair), Sharon A Vander Ziel (liaison), Debbie Rodriguez, Lisa K Schmidt, Jayne E Ayers, Jodi Jones Lees, Marilyn Ogden Heath, Judy Downer, Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz, Debbie Riehl Rodriguez, Janet L. Hannon, Michael D Osinski, Kari McClain, and Lois J. Yukins

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/lprogram.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 10/21 at 5:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Activities Council

Mission: To foster and advance the breeding and development of the highest quality dressage sport horses and to promote a strong foundation for the dressage sport horse development pipeline in the United States.

Goals:

1. To educate breeders, owners, buyers, handlers, trainers, and judges about the ideals of both dressage sport horse prospects and breeding stock.
2. Encourage and acknowledge the efforts of USDF member breeders in producing the highest quality dressage sport horse.
3. Provide dressage sport horse competition management, owners, and breeders with competition guidelines and opportunities.
4. Promote USDF horse recordings and tracking of competition results.
5. Nurture and develop future generations for the dressage sport horse breeding industry.
6. Review and update all proposed USDF sport horse score sheets and instruction documents.

Committee Members: Kristi Wysocki (chair), Natalie DiBerardinis (advisor), Christine Traurig (advisor), Cristen Joy Brown (liaison), Bonnie Barr-Briggs (liaison), Janine W Malone, Christine Louise Smith, Melanie A. Sloyer, Susan Mandas, Anne Sparks, Kevin Reinig, Whitney Vess, Marne Martin-Tucker, Regina Milliken, and Robin Birk

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/sporthorse.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 10/21 at 8:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Administrative Council

Mission: To recognize and celebrate the rich heritage of dressage in America through education and promotion.

Goals:

1. Oversee and coordinate Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award and Member of Distinction selection.
2. Work with USDF and assist in the development and selection of materials and criteria for the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame.
3. Gather and archive information on the heritage of USDF.

Committee Members: Jennifer O Bryant (chair), Chelsey Burris (liaison), Margaret C Freeman, Anne Snipes Moss, Lauren Gowers Annett, Bettina G Longaker, Rosalind Sue Kinstler, Charlotte L Trentelman, Roberta C Williams, Lin Nelson-Mayson, Betty Beebe, and Sally Brackett Davenport

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/historicalrecognition.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Wednesday, 10/22 at 7:10 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Administrative Council

Mission: To accelerate the growth and development of Group Member Organizations (GMOs) to broaden and strengthen the dressage community and increase access to education.

Goals:

1. To promote the education of GMO leadership.
2. To offer support and materials.
3. To provide a network of others with experience.
4. To administer the GMO awards.

Committee Members: Loretta Lucas (chair), Jill Chamblin (liaison), Lisa Margaret Toaldo, Jeri C Fuller-Matheny, Megan E. A. Ward, Bobbi Lehman, Kathryn E. Lewis, Regina Antonioli, Dawn Mackenzie, Regina Cristo, and Jennifer Ann Jarvis

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/gmo.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Thursday, 10/23 at 7:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Activities Council

Mission: To encourage, increase and enrich adult participation in dressage by providing educational opportunities and recognition of achievement.

Goals:

1. Provide concepts for new adult education programs.
2. Increase the number of and participation in USDF-supported adult programs.
3. Improve communication and networking within and between regions, GMOs, and the Adult Programs Committee to increase support of and participation in adult education.

Committee Members: Holly Hilliard (chair), Gwen Piilani Ka’awaloa (vice chair), Evelyn Rose Lancione (liaison), Jill Ekis, Kenneth Dale Levy, Tashina Heiser, Frances M Haupt, Natalie Mendik, Kimberly Ransdell, and Sarah Denham

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/adultprogram.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Monday, 10/27 at 8:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Activities Council

Mission: To encourage participation in dressage by recognizing excellence and rewarding progressive achievement.

Goals:

1. Organize and provide awards for Horse of the Year, Freestyle, Junior/Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Vintage Cup, All-Breeds, performance certificates, individual rider awards, DSHB Horse of the Year and Materiale Horse of the Year.
2. Review existing awards requirements and programs.

Committee Members: Amy Marie Bradley (chair), Cristen Joy Brown (liaison), Jessie A Ginsburg, Deborah Ann Garris, Jan A Brons, Marie E Maloney, Mickayla Lyn Frederick, Cecilia Cox, Jo Renn, Doris Ute North, Christine Engel, and Elizabeth G Clifton

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/awards.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 10/28 at 8:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Technical Council

Mission: To promote the pursuit of excellence in dressage judging.

Goals:

1. Provide educational opportunities for all levels of judges.
2. Continue to improve the training of individuals currently licensed or aspiring to be licensed judges.
3. Recognize progressive development of judges.

Committee Members: Gary Rockwell (chair), Michael D Osinski (vice chair), Sharon A Vander Ziel (liaison), Jeanne McDonald, Marilyn Ogden Heath, Amy Marie Bradley, Janet L Foy, Janet L. Hannon, Kristi Wysocki, Joan K Darnell, Teresa Stewart, and Lois J. Yukins

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/judges.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 11/4 at 5:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Administrative Council

Mission: To provide for the fair and equitable governance of the United States Dressage Federation.

Goals:

1. Recommend Bylaws amendments as needed.
2. Present amendments to the USDF Board of Governors (BOG) General Assembly for ratification.

Committee Members: John Chris Trentelman (chair), Sarah Garn (liaison), Janine W Malone, Sue E. Hughes, Barbara A Cadwell, Robert Higgins, , Heather Elizabeth Petersen, Gaye M McCabe, Diane P Nell, and Bess I Bruton

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/bylaws.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, 11/4 at 8:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Activities Council

Mission: To promote and recognize the pursuit of excellence by providing a showcase competition that meets established quality standards for riders within each USDF region.

Goals:

1. Establish and update guidelines for qualifying as needed.
2. Educate championship management.
3. Provide recognition and rewards.
4. Promote the championships.
5. Increase the number of participants.

Committee Members: Angela Goodwin-Volpert (chair), Janine W Malone (vice chair), Lacy Jinks (liaison), Ellen Sarah Marie Brindle-Clark, Anne Kuhns, Anneliese Vogt-Harber, Roberta C Williams, Jean Kraus, Jessica Marie Greer, Kelly Elizabeth Burris, Kevin Reinig, Leslie Rohrer, and Anita Jaffe

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/regionalchampionships.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Wednesday, 11/5 at 7:30 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Technical Council

Mission: To promote the pursuit of excellence in dressage instruction and training.

Goals:

1. To provide education from the grassroots to the professional level.
2. To provide access to online resources and learning modules.
3. To set instructor certification standards of proficiency.
4. To provide instructor certification opportunities.
5. To align the education of dressage participants at every level to the standards and levels of proficiency from Training Level through Grand Prix.

Committee Members: Liselotte Fore (co-chair), Sarah Geikie (co-chair), Katherine L. Robertson (liaison), Deborah Ann Bowman, Bailey E Cook, Cathy Helen Zappe, Sarah M Martin, William S Mcmullin, Janet L. Hannon, Katherine Simard, Vicki Hammers-O’neil, Fern Z Feldman, Lendon F Gray, and Ann L Guptill

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/instructortrainer.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Wednesday, 11/5 at 8:30 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp

Part of the: Technical Council

Mission: To provide education and an organized voice for technical delegates (TDs).

Goals:

1. Provide educational programs for TDs and aspiring TDs .
2. Maintain regular communication with all TDs through the TD Information Tree.
3. Maintain and develop all TD educational content and resources.
4. Review United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules and rule change proposals.

Committee Members: Jean Kraus (chair), Bonnie Barr-Briggs (liaison), Michelle D King, Dianne Havens Stanley, Cheryl L Tobey, Susan M Lang, Kaye L Phaneuf, Doris Ute North, Paul Donald Cormier, Marilyn Kulifay, Karen Cederholm, and Michael Taylor

Learn more about this committee: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/td.asp

Meeting Date and Time: Thursday, 11/6 at 8:00 PM ET

How to Attend: USDF Members can log in to the USDF website, then access this page for the meeting link: https://usdf.org/convention/meeting-schedule.asp