February 2024
Greetings Region 8!
Mud season in January? For those of you lucky enough to be south at this time – well done! And for the rest of us here in the north – hang in there…
This newsletter is going to focus on news items from USDF and a few educational opportunities so here we go.
USDF has partnered with Black Horse One to develop a new 2024 Judge Education Initiative. This new initiative will provide enhanced education opportunities for USEF judges and USDF L Education Program candidates, through the well-established virtual and interactive technology capabilities of BHO. While these programs will consist of three types of educational sessions (online, virtual interactive, and live interactive), the intent is not to replace, but to complement and supplement the live L Program and USEF judge training sessions already conducted by USDF. I have heard from many people, including judges’ programs instructors that this is an amazing tool for everyone.
If this sounds exciting to you, and if you are looking to join the L program or further your judging career, grants can be found here www.dressagefoundation.org and here www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-now-accepting-2024-grant.
Lilo Fore will be the clinician for this year’s Region 8 Youth Clinic to be held June 29 and 30th at Weatogue Stables in Salisbury CT. Information for application can be found here https://www.usdf.org/education/clinics/jryr/riders.asp. Its not too early to start thinking about pulling your application together for this fantastic opportunity.
Also, for our young riders, here is a 10 minute video of Ali Brock and David Marcus discussing the qualities they look for in working students. Food for thought for any of us, really. www.usdf.org/education/university/kb/item.asp?ID=2368.
Our very own Junior Rider Leah Drew is highlighted in a wonderful article in this month’s Sidelines Magazine.
NEDA is once again offering its NEDA Know-How series. From the comfort of your own living room, you can be part of a fabulous line up of speakers. Info here: www.NEDA.org.
Finally, the Executive Committee will be discussing the GMO/Safe Sport issues raised at the convention at our next meeting, and I hope that we will be able to provide some guidance.
All the best,
Helen
vandeh13@gmail.com