Participating Member (PM) Delegates are elected every year in June by the PMs in their region, and once elected represent the interests of those PMs. The number of PM Delegates each region can elect and how many votes each of those delegates carries is determined by a region’s size. In addition to voting on various governance matters, PM Delegates elect their respective region’s Regional Director, and vote with the rest of the BOG for the Officer and At-Large Director positions on the USDF Executive Board. PM Delegates communicate with their respective Regional Director regarding needs and issues that arise from the general membership.
Nominees have now accepted their nominations, so we’ve put together a list of the 2026 nominees for each region so you can make an informed decision when voting opens on June 1, 2026. You can vote for your delegates by logging in to the USDF website between June 1 and June 30.
Region 1
Emily Amon
I am an active AA rider and business owner with a passion for dressage who understands the realities of balancing riding, work, and life. I would be honored to represent members like myself, by bringing a practical, grounded perspective and supporting clear communication between USDF and the riders it serves.
Ellen Broadhurst
Ellen Broadhurst is an active GMO Board and Committee member (LVDA and ESDCTA) and dedicated dressage rider. She competes with her two horses across multiple levels, combining a passion for correct training with a strong commitment to education, volunteerism, and supporting the growth of dressage and specifically the education of Adult Amateurs with her local GMOs and through USDF’s resources.
Adele Cohn
My name is Adele Cohn. I was a GMO delegate from 2019-2022 and a PM delegate from 2023-present. I am proud to help represent the voice of Region 1 members in making votes count towards change and safety of our sport.
Debbie DelGiorno
A PM Delegate for the past 17 years, Debbie is primarily focused on promoting our sport to youth and supporting youth programs. She has been the FEI Youth Coordinator and NAYC Chef d ‘Equipe for 13 years. Debbie has been involved with D4K for 20 years and serves on its Board.
Christine Dickenson
I am a longtime member of the Lehigh Valley Dressage Association, serving over 15 years on its board and currently as co-president. I am a strong advocate for GMO collaboration and have co-organized several judge training programs with other GMOs. I compete and volunteer locally, regionally, and nationally.
Jill Ekis
I have served as a PM Delegate for 4 years now and am looking to add year 5! I have served on the Adult Programs Committee for 4 years. This year I added Dressage “r” TD, FEI Vaulting Steward, and FEI Para Dressage Steward to my resume. I continue working as a Helicopter Flight Nurse but want to give something back to a sport that has given me so much. Thank you for letting me represent you.
Lynn Kerin
I have served on the local GMO board (NCDCTA) for 13 years in many roles. I was President for 6 years. I own a small dressage barn in NC since 2010.
Michelle King
Michelle is president of the Virginia Dressage Association and a longtime member of the VADA/Nova Board of Directors. She is a large R TD, chair of the USDF Rules Advisory Working Group, a member of the TD Committee, and a member of the USEF Rules group.
Emelia Lewis
My local GMO has provided countless opportunities for me and I want to help give back to GMOs across my region as a PM delegate again. I volunteer at shows and have secretaried and scribed as well. This year, I received the Next Generation Award from my local GMO.
Janine Malone
Janine is a former USDF Region 1 Director and former USDF Secretary. She has competed at the FEI level, been an instructor/trainer, organized an FEI-recognized event (CDI Raleigh) for 17 years, and is owner/manager of Rosinburg Farm in North Carolina. She is recipient of the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award (1998), USDF Lifetime Achievement Award (2014), and was inducted into the USDF Hall of Fame in 2022. Janine currently serves on the USDF Regional Championships and Sport Horse Committees.
Marley McCourt
My name is Marley McCourt, an 18-year-old dressage rider with a passion for volunteering, riding, and competing. I am a USDF Bronze medalist, a member of the USEF Youth Advisory Committee, and have proudly served as a Region 1 PM Delegate for the past three years.
Paige Zimmerman
I’ve proudly served as a Region 1 PM Delegate for three years and would love to continue! I’m the Marketing and Media Chair for ESDCTA, a working student for Olivia Steidle, and an active competitor (Regionals, US Dressage Finals, CBLM Championships, Dressage at Devon, and more).
Region 2
Sophie Bayer
USEF R judge Sophie Bayer (USA). Sophie is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist. Scores for all medals earned on horses she has trained herself. She has worked with numerous trainers and clinicians. She now trains with Jennifer Truett in Lebanon, OH where she also trains and gives lessons.
Paula Briney
I am a lifetime member of USDF. I have been coming to the convention for over 25 years. Currently finishing up the USEF R judges training program.
Megan Carr
Born in Chicago and raised in Lexington, Megan graduated from Keeneland Pony Club. Starting in eventing, she focused on dressage, competing preliminary as a Jr/YR before shifting to young horses and then a non-equine professional path. Most of her weekends are spent at schooling shows, either volunteering or judging.
Karen Cederholm
Karen Cederholm has been involved with horses since childhood and active in dressage for over 20 years. She serves as a USEF Technical Delegate and FEI Steward, officiating nationwide. Karen enjoys connecting with the dressage community and has served on a local GMO board. She also enjoys traveling and time with her horses, Dee and Tryptic.
Anna Cluxton
I am an adult amateur rider competing at Second/Third Level. I’ve been a PM delegate for nearly ten years. I previously served in several Board roles with a local GMO. I serve as web mistress for Region 2, as well as auction coordinator for the Region 2 NAYC team. I think our voices are important for the governing body.
Suzanne Groselle
Suzanne has served as a GMO delegate for multiple years and looks forward to serving as a PM delegate in 2026. She’s currently her GMO’s VP, Newsletter Editor and active member since childhood. Suzanne’s also owner/manager of her small dressage farm in Hiram, OH. She strongly believes in education and governance at local and national levels.
Catherine Jacob
Bronze, Silver, Gold Medalist. Bronze, Silver Freestyle Bars. “L” Graduate, A/A, Member and Volunteer for local GMO’s. Held various offices over the years. USDF PM and attended the BOG since 2001. Creator of the USDF Region 2 Schooling Show Awards Program. Have held the office of the USDF Region 2 Treasurer since 2001.
Camilla Jamieson
Camilla is an equine internal medicine specialist, a dressage enthusiast, and an adult amateur competitor with USDF. She enjoys all things horse related and has a passion for helping riders and horse owners flourish together, through both her work and competitive career. She enjoys nothing more than a long show weekend with her barn family and taking her favorite horses down the center line!
Emma Kane-Mikan
Emma Kane-Mikan is a current IDCTA board member and has served as a PM Delegate six times. She has been a working student, is currently a braider, avid volunteer being named Youth Volunteer of the Year in 2018, and is working up the levels with her two horses. Outside of riding, she is completing a doctoral degree and is a licensed counselor as well as village clerk.
Reese Koffler-Stanfield
Reese Koffler-Stanfield is a Diamond Award medalist, USDF FEI B Certified Instructor, and co-host of the Dressage Radio Show (the official podcast of USDF). Reese coaches riders of all levels and is the owner/head trainer at Maplecrest Farm in Georgetown, KY.
Kenneth Levy
Ken is a USEF “R” Judge, a USDF Certified Instructor and Silver Level Para-Dressage Coach. Ken has been a GMO President, Vice President, and Chair of the Education Committee. He also served as the Region 2 Director for 9 years and currently is a member of the USDF Adult Programs Committee.
Jane Manfredi
Dr. Jane Manfredi Is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist, veterinarian, and the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She regularly volunteers, hosting clinics and giving talks to local GMOs.
Melanie Peterson-Ramey
Melanie Ramey is the owner/operator of Stone Columns Stables in Lexington, KY, a full service breeding, boarding, training, development, and retirement farm. She is a breeder and competitor herself and has spent her entire adult life in the equestrian industry. Melanie is an equestrian realtor in both Lexington, KY and Wellington, FL.
Susan Posner
Started riding in Germany at age 8. Earned German Bronze riding medal at age 12. Trained three homebred Trakehner mares to Grand Prix. Active member of KDA and MSEDA for over 30 years. USEF “R” judge for 43 years. USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist. USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze freestyle bars. USDF Diamond Achievement. All earned on horses I bred or trained through the levels. Currently starting a four-year-old Thoroughbred mare.
Jennifer Roth
Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals with distinction and Freestyle Bars. Diamond Achievement Award. Current “R” judge that has applied for the “S” program. FEI competitor, rider, trainer, and instructor. Has enjoyed being a PM delegate in the past and want to continue serving in the future.
Karen Suit
My journey began in 1981 with Violet Hopkins. I have been a board member of the Midwest Dressage Association. While continuing to compete and attend clinics, I have scribed over 200 hours and been published in “Dressage and CT” magazine and USDF’s online YourDressage. I’m also an award winning speaker.
Shari Wolke
I serve the Region as the Youth co-Liaison, and served as Chef d ‘Equipe for Region 2 at the NAYC’s in 2024-2025. I also judge schooling shows around the Region, as an L Graduate and “Small r” candidate. I hope to fairly represent all of our members as a PM delegate.
Region 3
Eleanor Brimmer
Ellie is a FEI Para Dressage athlete, USEF board member athlete rep, serves on the USDF Para Dressage Committee, was a delegate at last year’s convention, and is current president of the USPEA. Ellie volunteers as a ring steward and has two mares, Minni and Kracki, and a rescue dog named Timmy.
Barbara Cadwell
Breeder and owner of approved stallion Freedom. Owner of approved stallions Feuri and Neil. Many time PM and GMO delegate. Former At-Large Director. Bronze and silver medalist. Breeder of many year-end award winners. Member of The Dressage Foundation and Northeast Florida Dressage Association Boards. Former member of the Nominating Committee. Current member of the Bylaws Committee.
Judy Downer
Judy serves the USDF as a PM member, GMO member, and USEF ‘S’ Dressage judge. She has served as a PM Delegate for over 10 years and strongly supports dressage education and research into biomechanics.
Lisa El-Ramey
Continuing to serve as a PM delegate is a way for me to give back to the sport and USDF. I currently serve on the USDF OAI Task Force and have served as a PM delegate nearly 10 years. I look forward to continuing to serve as a PM delegate and to help create a vibrant future for dressage in the US.
Stephany Fish Crossman
Stephany just received her silver freestyle bar and has been a PM delegate for 6 years. She is one of three Level 3 RWYM Biomechanic Coaches in the world and travels the country teaching dressage and biomechanics. She and her husband live on a cattle ranch in Okeechobee, FL.
Lillian Frenzel
I am a young dressage rider and have participated in a family-run boutique breeding program. I was the 2024 USDF YVOY, and have served on the board of my local GMO. I have attended the past few conventions, and look forward to playing a more active role in them.
Tashina Heiser
Tashina Heiser’s passion for dressage began in 2004, flourishing in 2012. A DSDCTA member since 2013, she has served as President, VP, and now seventh-year GMO Treasurer. Tashina manages multiple GMO events, serves on various committees, and continues to grow her love for the sport and horses.
Robert Higgins
Robert is a member of the USDF Bylaws Committee. Previously, as either a DTD, FEI Steward or Manager, he managed/officiated local, regional, and international championships. Robert was a multi-regional Awards Coordinator and former Chairman of the Dressage at Devon Gentlemans Committee.
Loretta Lucas
I am a 73 year old AA who still believes in the dream. I understand the challenges typical AAs face as dressage riders. I am very active, both locally in my GMO and as Chair of the GMO Committee representing Region 3. I would be honored to be a PM Delegate.
Brian MacMahon
USEF ‘S’ dressage judge, USEF ‘R’ western dressage judge. Own and operate a dressage training facility in North Florida. Have competed in Region 3 dressage competitions since 1985.
Danielle Perry
I’ve been riding since I was 5 and fell in love with dressage about 20 years ago. Since then I have become immersed in the sport – a USEF R Judge; USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist; one more score for my gold – trainer, competitor, and honored friend to so many rescued horses. I am also a corporate executive helping businesses thrive.
Cynthia Thaxton
Cynthia Thaxton has been a professional since 1985, with her family’s High Point Farm in Watkinsville, GA. She’s been a committed USDF educational participant through the Trainers Conferences, YR liaison, L Candidate and USDF Certified Instructor programs. She is a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze recipient with a Bronze Bar. She looks forward to representing Region 3 as a whole, not only those that compete. Region 3 is a large area with multifaceted members.
Jennifer Thompson
I operate a small boarding and training business in Fairview, TN. I think it is important to have representation from all members in Region 3, but especially those who are not in busy dressage areas of our Region (and country). I have been on the board of my GMO in various capacities since 2012. I am honored to be nominated as a PM Delegate.
Cesar Torrente
A native of Colombia, South America, Cesar Torrente is a FEI 5* Dressage Judge, FEI 3* Para Dressage Judge, and a USEF “S” Dressage Judge. A recognized clinician in the US and abroad, is now a member of the Judges Committee and the USDF Faculty.
Charlotte Trentelman
A full time member of Region 3, and a Lifetime member of USDF. I have served as Regional Director and on the Historical Recognition Committee. I believe that USDF’s commitment to education and the promotion of dressage keeps us all strong in the enjoyment of our horses and sport.
John Trentelman
Current Bylaws Committee Chairman and active GMO member with STRIDE Dressage. Has attended the USDF annual convention for many years as both delegate and member.
Region 4
Josette Clark
Hello, my name is Josette Clark. I am a PM in Region 4, a member and secretary chair for Columbia Dressage and Combined Training Association, and handle our GMO memberships. I ride and compete with my 22-year-old registered Haflinger, Delilah. I’m excited to attend my second convention.
Kellie Hunter
I’m a dressage professional that owns and operates my own dressage facility and retreat, “Dragon Hearts Lair Whispering Pines Dressage Retreat”. I’m located in the North Woods of MN. My barn has 10 horses that compete yearly at recognized shows within our region. I aspire for finesse developing our horses in our sport of dressage. I’ve worked with many top professionals. I own two horses of my own, a sassy Welsh Cob and a ISR Sport Horse. I would like the opportunity to serve as a PM delegate.
Samantha Martinson
I’m a trainer, clinician, USEF “r” judge, Silver medalist, freestyle designer, and a passionate competitor. I regularly compete at Regionals and US Dressage Finals. I would love to continue to represent Region 4 and support the needs of our amateurs, professionals, breeders, and our freestyle community.
Katelyn Victoria Razumovsky
Katelyn Victoria Razumovsky is an USDF Gold/Silver/Bronze Medalist, USEF ‘r’ Judge, Young Horse & Sales Specialist in Kansas City, KS. Her program, KV Dressage, regularly produces horses and riders that hold top ranks at US Finals, Young Horse Championships and Festival of Champions.
Megan Ward
This well read, Vintage Cup & Master’s Challenge eligible, adult amateur is honored to serve Region 4 as a PM Delegate, GMO Committee member and an instigator of fun for the GMO Eastern Iowa Dressage & Eventing Association, which won the USDF Book Club Participation Award for 2024 and 2025.
Region 5
Joan Clay
I’ve been a member of RMDS since 1993. Currently, I’m an RMDS TD and the Region 5 Youth Coordinator. I’ve been involved in our dressage community as an adult amateur (prior to 2008), an open competitor, USDF Certified Instructor, show manager, TD, and club officer.
Cecilia Cox
I’m an Amateur rider that’s lived in Regions 1, 9, and 5. As an active club member I’ve volunteered, held board positions (local, regional, and national), and run schooling shows. I enjoy meeting/helping members, believe all breeds can do dressage and promote this. I’d be honored to be your PM delegate.
Gwen Ka’awaloa
Chair of the USDF Adult Programs Committee and the Outreach, Awareness, and Inclusion Task Force. I have served as a GMO President and attended convention in that capacity. I have also served as a PM delegate.
Kaye Phaneuf
Dressage TD/R, USEF C2 Steward/R, Region 5 PM Delegate 2023-present. Previously: 9 years Region 6 PM Delegate; 15 years USDF TD Committee; 3 years IEA Steward; 30+ years Arabian and Dressage show secretary; breeder and amateur competitor. I bring a broad perspective on USDF’s organization, member services, and role within the USEF family of affiliate organizations.
Leslie Sherlin
Leslie Sherlin is Vice President of Arizona Dressage Association and chairs the Junior/Young Rider Committee. A sport and performance psychologist, Leslie is an adult amateur who began riding in 2018 alongside his daughter. He actively shows his Gypsy Vanner and Dutch Warmblood in classical and western dressage.
Region 6
Lindsey Dean
I’m an adult amateur with a passion for learning dressage and encouraging growth, education, and participation throughout the Region 6 Pacific Northwest.
Ann-Christine Erikson
Born and raised in Sweden, an AA without a horse nowadays, but I have been involved in the dressage community for 20+ years. I am a Level 3 Show Manager working shows in both Washington and Oregon. I love our sport and I hope to bring experience as an AA, competitor, GMO member, and show manager.
Morgan Griffith
My name is Morgan. I live in Washington state and I am honored to be nominated for Region 6 PM delegate. I have two Friesians and I’m an active competitor with Lower Puget Sound Dressage Club.
Tabitha Hopp
I have served Region 6 as a PM Delegate the past 2 years and would be honored to have the opportunity again. I am also the Region 6 nominations chair for the past 3 years. I am an active Adult Amateur, Bronze and Silver Medalist, L Grad with Distinction, and a retired Army Veteran. My husband and I operate a non-profit Equine Therapy program. I’d like to continue to encourage member involvement and transparency through education, communication as a part of the USDF family.
Mary Richmond Brown
Mary is a trainer and USEF ‘r’ dressage judge. She believes in careful development of horse and rider teams of all different backgrounds and abilities. Mary hopes to facilitate continued growth of grassroots dressage in the Northwest, and to help elevate voices of riders in Region 6.
Michael Taylor
I have represented Region 6 as either a PM or GMO Delegate for most of the past 12 years. I currently chair the USDF Competition Management Committee and am a licensed official as a R Dressage Technical Delegate and a FEI Steward. I am a facility owner and show manager for 25+ years.
Amanda Wilgenburg
I began riding at the age of 8, progressed through Western, English, and some breed shows. After some time away driving a truck with my husband across Canada and the US, I came back to riding, leasing a friend’s horse and discovered dressage. You can now find me teaching, competing, or judging around Region 6.
Region 7
Rebecca Armstrong
An AA dressage enthusiast, I have been involved in breeding, training and showing my homebreds from local to national HOY honors. I have my ‘r’ license in both dressage and DSHB, and am Freestyle certified. A Bronze, Silver, and Freestyle Silver medalist and currently, I’m Secretary of the CDS EB Chapter.
Ann Boehning
I have been actively involved as a Rider, Trainer, Parent and Volunteer with USDF for over 25 years. As a PM delegate I am your voice for concerns and ideas that will benefit all levels of our sport. As a farm owner in Southern CA I understand challenges in our industry from many different perspectives.
Rebecca Harris
Dressage fan and volunteer for more than 30 years.
Patty Mayer
Patty is a USDF certified instructor, USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist with distinction, a small ‘r’ dressage judge, a USEF certified para dressage coach, and sits on the board of the California Dressage Society and US ParaEquestrian Association. A popular teach and clinician, Patty competed around the world at Grand Prix for many years and she is an active competitor at FEI levels.
Janette Oakes
Manager of the Golden State Dressage shows held at Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta, CA. I am also a ‘r’ TD. My current dressage partner is ‘Cash’ and we train with Susan Treabess/Winterhaven Sporthorses in Davis, CA.
Region 8
Karry Brothers
Karry Bengston-Brothers is a USDF L Graduate with Distinction, USDF Bronze Medalist, and USEF “r” Western Dressage judge. She manages NEDA’s judge education program and focuses on horse-rider biomechanics. At Emerald Glen in Stephentown, NY, she teaches horsemanship, sportsmanship, kindness, and lifelong learning to riders of all levels.
Roberta Carleton
Bobbi is the manager and trainer at Weatogue Stables in Salisbury, CT. She is a USDF Diamond Achievement Award recipient and a USEF “R” judge. Bobbi is also the Region 8 Youth Coordinator and has served as chef d ‘equipe at NAYC. She has been a Region 8 delegate for the past three years.
Lara Ceppi
I am an adult amateur, USDF bronze and silver medalist, amateur equine photographer, and longtime USDF Region 8 member. My love of equestrian sports began in high school and has followed me throughout my educational and professional life.
Sally Davenport
I have been a member of USDF for more than 40 years and have served it in many ways; as an employee, a delegate, manager of L programs and Sport Horse Seminars, and am currently a member of the Historical Recognition Committee. I would love to serve USDF again as a PM delegate.
Sarah Geikie
Sarah has trained several horses up to Grand Prix level and helped numerous students achieve their USDF medals. Fostering dressage education has always been very important to Sarah. She served as the Director of the equestrian program at the University of Massachusetts. Currently she is co-chair of the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program Committee, which has developed programs for future dressage professionals to participate in to increase their knowledge and skills.
Anita Jaffe
I was a partner in Dressage at Stockade competitions in upstate NY for many years, and a long-time volunteer at the GAIG/USDF Region 8 Championships. I am currently a member of the USDF Competition Management and Regional Championship Committees. As a USEF “r” Technical Delegate, I love learning from, and sharing with, competitors and management teams across Region 8 and beyond. I would be proud to represent Region 8 as a PM delegate again for 2026-2027.
Kathleen O’Connor
I am an active volunteer at NEDA shows, US Dressage Finals, and a many time delegate at the annual USDF convention. I am a Member at Large on the NEDA board deeply committed to the governance of Dressage in this country and believe the USDF is the best avenue to influence the direction of the Sport as a whole.
Mary Piro
Mary Piro owned and managed Pirouette Farm in Massachusetts and Vermont for almost 30 years. She ran events and clinics, competed, groomed and volunteered around Region 8. She was a Board Member and Officer of Central Vermont Dressage Association and has earned both her Bronze and Silver Medals in Dressage.
Susan Rizkalla Hamwey
Having served as a GMO delegate, I now seek to represent PM members. I want to hear their concerns and be their voice. I am currently competing at PSG working toward my silver. I understand the dedication required for dressage and want to represent others who share that journey. Professionally, I work in finance. I serve on a GMO board and on the USDF Adult Programs Committee.
Region 9
Betty Beebe
I am a Retired Registered Nurse and Adult Amateur. For the last six years, I have served as the Mini Show Coordinator (schooling shows) of the Central Texas Dressage Society. Before that I served as the Award Coordinator and Banquet Chairman and Co-President. I am also a member of the USDF Historical Recognition Committee and the Region 9 Adult Educational representative. I would like to represent the Adult Amateur in the governance of the sport that I love.
Elizabeth Clifton
Elizabeth is the founder/president of Mid-South Dressage Academy, a show manager, a competitor, and the owner of Top Hats & Under That. She has been a GMO president, as well as the organizer of many educational programs (including 3 L programs). She attends the convention every year and is currently a member of the Awards Committee.
Arlene Gaitan
I have been actively involved in the sport of dressage for over three decades, as an amateur rider, show manager, secretary, and former president of the Alamo Dressage Association. I have also been involved in youth dressage as a proud horse show mom. I am a USDF L Graduate and USEF “r” Dressage Technical Delegate, Level 1 FEI Steward, and serve at many schooling and recognized shows throughout Region 9. It would be a privilege for me to represent Region 9 at the 2026 USDF Convention.
Marilyn Kulifay
Technical Delegate “R”, Judge “r”, FEI Steward 3 Dressage and Para, Manager and Secretary (Level 3). Currently serving on the USDF Technical Delegates and Competition Management Committees. Have served as PM delegate in the past and would be honored to serve again.
Sarah Jane Martin
I am the current SWDC Chairman and Secretary of Region 9. I was awarded the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Adequan®/USDF Convention. Currently, I am a USEF Dressage Technical Delegate, a C1 and C2 Steward, a Western Dressage Judge, and a Welsh and Connemara Judge.
Barbara Richardson-Lewis
Active dressage/eventing professional, active dressage competitor, USDF L graduate, USEF/WDAA “r” judge, current vice president Dallas Dressage Club, show manager for several GMO shows, previous PM delegate.
Janelle Williams
I am an avid competitor riding I1 on a horse that I started from a baby. I am the digital content manager for the Central Plains Dressage Society (CPDS). I volunteer at all CPDS activities in whatever capacity is needed. I was awarded the Region 9 Volunteer of the Year in 2024.
