April 2024
Greetings Region 8!
Show season is upon us, and I hope everyone has broken in their new boots and polished up their tack in anticipation!
This is also the time of year that nominations for Participating Member Delegates and the Region 8 Regional Director are due. As most of you probably know, nominations and elections are an integral part of the organization’s governance. The nominating process results in the election of USDF’s Executive Board members and PM delegates. Each of these positions is vital in the governance of USDF. The nomination deadline for PM delegates is April 15 and the deadline for the Regional Director is June 1. Below is the link for information https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/governance/nominating/PMFAQ.pdf?t=3/26/2024 11:23:33 AM. And here is info about Regional Director nominations: https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/governance/nominating/EBFAQ.pdf?t=3/26/2024%202:36:58%20PM.
The Region 8 Youth Clinic will be held June 29 and 30th at Weatogue Stables in Salisbury CT. and Lilo Fore will be the clinician this year. Information for application (the deadline is May 26th) can be found here https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/riders.asp. It is not too early to start thinking about pulling your application together for this fantastic opportunity. The selection committee will review applications and announce the selection in early June.
The qualification period for the 2024 FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships is open, and information about it can be found here: https://www.usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp. This is a fantastic opportunity for our youth to get out on a bigger stage and be part of a team effort. The facilities in Traverse City are beautiful, and it is a really fun event for our youth athletes as well as their parents!
For the professionals in our region, the USDF Professional Development Pathway is up and running. Created to provide education and resources for instructors seeking certification (and those already certified), this new component will provide access to mentors and additional educational opportunities for continued personal growth. The intent of the Professional Development Pathway is to help instructors and trainers move toward certification. Interested instructors and trainers must apply, meeting specified criteria, and once approved will have access to the resources offered. Application is required and here is a link to information. https://www.usdf.org/education/instructor-trainer/professional-development.asp
Here are some additional upcoming events. The Connecticut Dressage Association (CDA) is running 3 Dressage Development Seminars open to all. The dates are:
· Lungeing Seminar; April 21-22 (Sunday/Monday) with Ann Guptill and Vicki Hammers-O’Neil at Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam, CT.
· Riding Seminar; July 14-15 (Sunday/Monday) with Bill McMullin and Vicki Hammers-O’Neil at Weatogue Stables, Salisbury, CT.
· Teaching Seminar; August 10-11 (Saturday/Sunday) with Bill McMullin and Sarah Geikie at Sperry View Farm, Bethany, CT.
The contact person for questions, registration and information is Christine Engel, christineengel923@gmail.com; 860-485-8842. CDA very much hopes that this program is well-attended, as it is designed to educate dressage riders of all levels – both amateurs and professionals who wish to further their education in the classical system of dressage. The first day is geared toward a general large group audience and features lecture and demonstration rides under the guidance and instruction by the two clinicians. It is a unique opportunity to watch, listen and learn as the training scale and principles of dressage are analyzed. Day 2 is limited to 8 participants and is geared toward those who, in a more ‘hands-on’ situation may be interested in furthering their professional development and eventually moving on to certification.
Our region’s first recognized show is at Mystic Valley Hunt Club, April 27 and 28. Entry opening date is March 4! The Prize list is at www.horseshowoffice.com. Following that is the Empire State Arabian Spring Show May 3 through May 5 (www.EmpireArabian.org) and Sperry View on May 5th (www.horseshowoffice.com).
All the best,
Helen
vandeh13@gmail.com