PAGE 6

VOLUME 6, NO.  10

USA Equestrian
NEWS

USDF
News

REGION 5
NEWS

EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO TRAGEDIES

LET'S PULL TOGETHER AS A REGION!

I have had a lot of responses from the last article regarding lack of funds for our Advanced Young Riders. One which really concerns me is an attitude of 'let's protect our GMO rider's and the heck with everyone else."

I think it is fine for a GMO to give money to its own members for expenses that the region does not cover. Remem-ber that when the region gives EACH member of the team the SAME money, it does NOT cover 100% of their expenses. If RMDS, UDS or ADA wants to give each of its members extra money to cover expenses NOT covered by the region, wonderful.

HOWEVER, when a GMO says that they will ONLY support its own members, and it does not want to give any money to the Regional Account for ALL riders; a division will be created  which will NOT benefit the TEAM EFFORT or the TEAM SPIRIT that we have been trying so hard to build the past few years. When I first took over as Regional Director, there was a strong feeling of "THEM" and "US" in the region. Unless ALL GMOs and states work together to support OUR TEAM (because this is what it is, it is NOT the team from Colorado or Arizona or Utah or New Mexico or Wyoming), we will not teach these Young Riders what TEAM SPIRIT is all about.

Let's try not to let our stodgy and perhaps misguided adult views poison our kids. It is very important that this qualifying and team selection be just that, TEAM. I am hoping that ALL GMOs in our area will donate what they can TO THE REGIONAL ACCOUNT for all to share AS A TEAM. Please, think about the big picture and the future; let's stand together as a Region.

Please send any donations (any individual is also encouraged and welcome to send a donation; even $5.00 will be used to the full extent) to: USDF REGION 5/ADVYR ACCOUNT, and mail to Janet Brown, 5 Sanford Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Thank you for your support.

The equestrian community offers its deepest sympathy to those who are in mourning, offers gratitude to those who are bravely helping, and shares the feelings of shock and sadness with all the families and friends whose way of life was shaken by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

To honor the memory of those lost and to help those who are still suffering, USA Equestrian is proud to partner with its affiliates nationwide and establish the United Equestrian Relief Fund. Managed by USA Equestrian, Inc., all contributions received will be directed to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Please join the equestrian community by making a contribution to the United Equestrian Relief Fund today. Contributions can be sent to: United Equestrian Relief Fund, c/o USA Equestrian, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

Plan now to join your fellow dressage enthusiasts in Orlando, Florida, to celebrate the 29th USDFAnnual Convention from November 28 to December 1, 2001. This is a perfect opportunity for an early winter getaway for the entire family. Orlando is home to warm tropical weather, Walt Disney World Resorts, challenging golf courses, excellent museums, professional sports, outlet malls, citrus, gators, and of course flamingos!

Greeted by friendly staff and volunteers, you will be immersed in an all-dressage environment, complete with educational opportunities, a marketplace, food, and fun.

This year's convention will feature a lecture series by Conrad Schumacher, a Freestyle panel discussion, regional director elections, the annual awards banquet, and a Medieval-inspired gala.

The council and committee meetings are your opportunity to become involved and make a difference. The awards banquet is a chance to be applauded for your hard work, and to recognize the achievements of other riders. The shopping will be terrific at the Equestrian Trade Fair.

For more information, see the Setpember issue of USDF Connections; visit the USDF website at http://www.usdf.org/ calendars/vc/index.htm; or call (402)434-8550.

U.S. DRESSAGE RIDER WINS IN WIESBADEN

On September 25th, USA Equestrian (formerly AHSA) announced that U.S. riders scored notable successes at the international dressage show, Wiesbaden CDI, Germany, September 20-23, 2001. Lisa Wilcox, originally from Thousand Oaks, CA, and now based in Cappeln, Germany, riding the 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion Relevant (Rubinstein I-Havanna) scored an impressive 79.04% to win the Grand Prix Kűr beating Germany into second and third place. Wilcox also came in second riding the 11-year-old Oldenburg stallion Rohdiamant (Rubinstein I-Elektia V) in the Grand Prix Special on a score of 72.65% just 0.47% behind Germany's Olympic veteran, Monica Theodorescu (Renaissance Fleur).

Sydney Olympian Guenter Seidel from Del Mar, CA, riding the 12-year-old Westfalian gelding Nikolas (Weinberg-Elise), was fourth in the same class on a score of 70.65% and Arlene Page of Wellington, FL, aboard the nine-year-old Holsteiner mare Claire (Cassini-Umaica) finished in tenth place on 66.0%.

Wilcox also won the Grand Prix Kűr Tour with a score of 73.76% riding Relevant, again beating German riders at the top of the leader board. The in-form Wilcox secured a second place in the Grand Prix with Rohdiamant on a score of 69.56% with Seidel finishing in third place on Nikolaus with 69.44%.

For other results of U.S. riders, please visit our web site at <http://www.ahsa.org/press/CompetitionResults/index.html>.