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VOLUME 6, NO. 6

USDF News

ACHTUNG!
Scarlett Fahrenson
Gets Our Attention at Dressage University II

Your Opinion is Requested

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ton. 5. The USDF office would have greater public exposure at the KHP and would provide an ideal venue for the USDF Hall of Fame. The Horse Park is an impressive 1000 acre facility located on I-75, near I-64. It hosts major equestrian events, including the annual Rolex Three-Day Event. The Park show facility is host to numerous hunter/jumper, dressage, western, and breed competitions each year. It has an International Museum of the Horse, which is a popular tourist attraction in the area. A major hotel has been proposed for the development within the Horse Park, which could handle the demands of hosting the USDF Annual Convention, if required. Generously funded by the State of Kentucky, it is one of the premier national facilities of this type. For your information, we have not started to raise funds for this project. This would begin if we decide that we should own our own building, which would certainly be the case if we relocate to Lexington. Finally, it is likely that most of the present office staff would not relocate from Nebraska to Kentucky. The hiring and training of new office staff is an important consideration."

USDF is considering this move since the current office lease will expire in October of 2002 and they are already outgrowing their present quarters. USDF would like input from their GMO members (that's you!) about the possible relocation and how it would affect your membership. If you have any thoughts on the possible move to Kentucky, either positive or negative, please contact Jennifer Parker at 696-9629 or by email at JPAgape@aol.com.

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of professionals and amateurs because of the handicapping system of the levels monitored by the government. Also, a professional is forbidden to warm up an amateur's horse as soon as the horse puts a hoof on the show grounds. Trainers are also not allowed to coach at tournaments. It is distracting to others if a trainer is giving a lesson to someone in the warmup ring. If you need a lesson that badly, don't come to the show.

To enter a show, it costs about $10 a test and a $15 office fee. The club hosting the show provides stalls. It's very affordable to show every weekend if you like. In addition, everyone who places gets money and prizes.

The dressage tests themselves are different.   All are ridden in the 20m X 40m arena up to fourth level. The tests are shorter in order to accommodate all the riders--nothing longer than four minutes!  Maybe that's

why there are more spectators, it's not so boring!

The judges are all retired from the show ring, so there is no conflict of interest, i.e., judges judging other judges.  A different system is used to evaluate a performance. Instead of scoring each movement, the judges write one note regarding the overall picture presented. They comment on correct rider position, proper frame, harmony, etc.

While there may be many differences in European versus American showing, Scarlett is very quick to point out that the main goal of every rider, no matter what nationality, should be to enjoy and be happy with your horse. Don't always be so serious about competition, take time to relax on a beautiful trail, let your horse use his mind in other ways such as jumping or working cows. Develop a good partnership with your horse and be honest with yourself about what to expect in the show ring. Be happy with what your horse can do well!