Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a holiday season full of warm memories, family and friends!!

From the USDF "L" Program and Faculty


The USDF office will be closed December 22nd - 26th and January 1st- 2nd.

Brief Updates about the "L" Program

Convention was a jam-packed week, as those that attended can attest too. It was also very productive for the "L" Program. The "L" Faculty had an extremely productive meeting. Several ideas are being developed and will be moving towards being approved and implemented.

Below are a couple of the proposed ideas, briefly described:

1. Proposed program format change so that Part 1 includes Sessions A, B and C. Then Part 2 would include Sessions D1, D2 and the Final Exam.

2. Proposed opening up Part 1, following the above proposed format change, to all those interested in attending but that may not have the score prerequisites. Those prerequisites would still stand for participating in Part 2.

I'll share with you the new updates and ideas as they are finalized.

There were a few rumblings about "L" Programs being organized that were shared during convention. The general area where most of the interest is centered around Region 1 and 3. I hope to be able to share with you, very soon, approved "L" Programs for those interested.

Any questions and updates on potential programs, contact me at lprogram@usdf.org

Congratulations are in order for the New "L" Graduates!

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the San Diego Chapter of CDS "L" Program's final exam (held November 8-9th).


*Katy Barglow, CA
Sandy Harper, CA
*Polly Limond, CA
*Yvette Pickrell, CA
Karina Lyons, CA
Kathy Pavlich, CA
Carrie Rollins, CA
*Kate Shuster, CA
*Rhonda Smith, CA


*Denotes those that graduated with distinction from the "L" Program.

The above "L" graduates will also be listed on the USDF website at: http://www.usdf.org/about/contact/lprogram.asp?TypePass=Graduates&RegionPass=1, under their specific USDF region.

Friendly reminder: After a successful graduation, candidates are referred to as “L” Graduates. “L” Graduates are NOT licensed dressage judges. Therefore, they may not advertise themselves as “L” judges.

Important Reminders & Upcoming Events

A few reminders for everyone:

The Adequan/USDF Annual Convention & Symposium is coming up December 3rd through December 7th. The USDF group rate for hotel registrations has been extended to November 24th. You can find out more information by going to www.usdf.org or call USDF at 859/971-2277.

There are several events, during convention, you may be interested in attending, check out the USDF website for an agenda.

The proposed USDF 2009-2010 budget has been posted on the website:
http://www.usdf.org/press/news/view-news.asp?news=279

It has some items that pertain to all "L" Graduates and "L" Graduates with Distinction. Any input and/or feedback you have on the proposed budget can be directed to your Group Member or Participating Member delegate. Also feel free to contact me at lprogram@usdf.org and I'll do my best to assist you.

Any questions or concerns contact me.

Congratulations to the New USDF "L" Graduates!

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the DVCTA and NCDCTA "L" Program's final exams (held October 25-26th).

Sherilyn Allen, VMD, PA
*Karen Bates, NC
Angelia Bean, PA
Rebecca Cord, PA
*C. Michelle Folden, SC
*Jeanne Karver, NC
Christina Keim, NH
Laura Juniewicz, PA
Lisa Leland-Courchesne, MA
*Elizabeth C Moore, NC
Debbie Morrison, NJ
Ruth Munroe, PA
*Jamie Reilley, VMD, NJ
Kelly Smaltz, PA
*Valerie Swygert, SC
*Danielle Toscano, PA


*Denotes those that graduated with distinction from the "L" Program.

The above "L" graduates will also be listed on the USDF website at: http://www.usdf.org/about/contact/lprogram.asp?TypePass=Graduates&RegionPass=1, under their specific USDF region.

Friendly reminder: After a successful graduation, candidates are referred to as “L” Graduates. “L” Graduates are NOT licensed dressage judges. Therefore, they may not advertise themselves as “L” judges.

Openings still available for "L" Program in Region 8!

The Orange County Dressage Association, with organizer Dr. Lisa Toaldo, still has openings available for those that are looking for an "L" Program to attend.

There are around 4-5 spots open for those that have met the prerequisites of the program. This program is offering both Part 1 and 2! Check it out...

Contact Dr. Lisa Toaldo at dentist2@embarqmail.com or me at lprogram@usdf.org (859-271-7876).

Need a Part 2 or want to Retest? Part 2 has spots open!

For "L" candidates looking for a Part 2 or an "L" graduate looking to re-test, Pomona Chapter of CDS has 5 spots open.

There are 5 spots open for a D2 Session and Final Exam. Here are the dates, locations and instructors:

D2 Session; March 28-29, 2009; Burbank, CA; Janet Foy

Final Exam; August 22-23, 2009; Burbank, CA; Janet Foy & Jayne Ayers

Christie Cooper, the organizer, can be contacted at ladressage@adelphia.net.

If you have any questions about being eligible for this program, please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859/271-7876.

Region 2 - Part 1 Approved

The South West Chapter of Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Association will be hosting a Part 1 in 2009, with organizer Kathryn Dunn,

Below are the dates, locations and instructors:

Session A; March 14-15, 2009; Mukwanago, WI with Jayne Ayers

Session B; April 26-27, 2009; Mukwanago, WI with Debbie Riehl- Rodriguez

Session C; May 23-24, 2009; Mukwanago, WI with Sandy Howard

Session D1; June 27-28, 2009; Camp Lake, WI with Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez

Contact Kathy at dunndressage@tds.net or me at lprogram@usdf.org.
Also check out the educational calendar at www.usdf.org.

Plans for a Part 2 are moving forward as well, although nothing is official as of yet. You'll hear as soon as anything is official.

Part 2 Approved - Region 1

A Part 2 was just approved for Region 1 with hosting GMO Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA). The organizer, Alyssa Dragnich (adragnich@comcast.net) will be organizing this Part 2 with the following dates, locations and faculty:

Session D2; May 16-17th, 2009; PVDA Spring Show, Leesburg, VA; Jeff Moore

Final Exam; September 11-13th, 2009; VADA/Nova Autumn I Show; Leesburg, VA; Jeff Moore and Gary Rockwell

PVDA, with help from VADA/Nova, have also organized a D1 Session for November 22-23rd, 2008 in Leesburg, VA as well. The D1 was set up to compliment the approved Part 2 above. You'll find the information in this blog on a previous, 9/12/2008, post or on the USDF calendar at www.usdf.org.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, lprogram@usdf.org

Congratulations to the New USDF "L" Graduates!

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the PVDA "L" Program's final exam (held September 20-21st).

*Lori Barnard,NY
Kim Renee Briele,MD
*Jaralyn G. Finn,MD
*Grace Harris, TX
*Elaine (Lainey) Johnson,MA
Roxane Kennedy,FL
*Jessica McTaggart,VA
*Amy Von Scholz, NY
*Jacalyn Sicoli, NJ

*Denotes those that graduated with distinction from the "L" Program.

The above "L" graduates will also be listed on the USDF website at: http://www.usdf.org/about/contact/lprogram.asp?TypePass=Graduates&RegionPass=1, under their specific USDF region.

Friendly reminder: After a successful graduation, candidates are referred to as “L” Graduates. “L” Graduates are NOT licensed dressage judges. Therefore, they may not advertise themselves as “L” judges.

2 Spots Open - Final Exam

Two spots have opened up in the North Carolina Dressage & Combined Training Program (NCDCTA) for the Final Exam. The final exam is set to take place October 25-26th, 2008 in Columbus, GA with the examiners; Trenna Atkins and Axel Steiner.

If you are interested and eligible to attend please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859/971-2277.

Those eligible to attend this final exam are those that have taken the program up to the D2 Session, preferably within the last three years, and are looking to complete the program. Any questions let me know.

New "L" Program Approved - Region 8

Orange County Dressage Association will be hosting an "L" Program (Part 1 & 2) with Dr. Lisa Toaldo as the organizer.

Here is the schedule and information for the Part 1:

Session A; January 10-11, 2009; Warwick, NY; with Elizabeth Madlener
Session B; February 21-22, 2009; Warwick, NY; with Gary Rockwell
Session C; March 28-29, 2009; Warwick, NY; with Lois Yukins
Session D1; May 23-24, 2009; ESDCTA Memorial Day Show; with Elizabeth Madlener

Information for the Part 2 (Session D2 and Final Exam):

Session D2; August 15-16, 2009; Saugerties, NY (HITS on the Hudson, CenterlineEvents); Marilyn Heath
Final Exam; October 10-11, 2009; Garden State Classic (New Jersey Horse Park); Marilyn Heath & Lois Yukins

Check out the USDF calendar for contact information for Lisa (dentist2@embarqmail.com), you can click the title of this blog to go directly to the calendar.

Or contact me at lprogram@usdf.org

Dressed Up & No Place to Go?

Have you meet all the requirements for being a participant but can't find an "L" Education Program to attend?

First, you have to be willing to be proactive and take initiative!

If there aren't any programs that you are able to attend, either too full or far away, then contact your GMO to see if they would be interested in organizing a program. Has anyone else expressed an interest in the "L" Program? Can your area support the program with facilities and shows?

Please note: If you would like to participate in an "L" Program you cannot organize a program, but you can help out.

Here are some places to look for further information on how to organize a program (or information on the program itself):

"L" Program FAQ: http://www.usdf.org/faqs/Lprogram.asp

"L" Program Organizer Guidelines: http://www.usdf.org/docs/education/judge-training/lprogram/OrganizerGuidelines08.pdf

Second option is to contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or call 859/971-2277 and let me know that you can't find a program but are really interested in participating in one. I do keep note of the interest, and the areas, to see if USDF can help drum up a program in that area/region.

Third option is to keep an eye on programs that may have already started near you and audit the A, B or C Sessions. Get started on learning while you wait for a program to start up!

Don't lose hope - a program will be coming to a facility near you!

Approved D1 with Part 2 to soon follow...

PVDA, with organizer Alyssa Dragnich, has recently had a Session D1 approved and their Part 2 is one step away from being approved.

Region 1 has had several "L" Programs this last year and in order to help candidates get through the program PVDA, with help from VADA/Nova, has put together a D1, D2 and Final Exam.

The D1 Session is scheduled for November 22-23, 2008 in Leesburg, VA with instructor Elizabeth Madlener.

The Part 2 is scheduled for the 2009 competition season (D2 - May & Final Exam - September). I'll be sharing the specifics with you shortly but it is essentially a 'go' (unofficially).

If you are interested contact Alyssa Dragnich at adragnich@comcast.net.

I'll continue to share more about upcoming programs as they get approved or hit the radar.

Questions? Contact me @ lprogram@usdf.org

Join-In @ Convention

Here is a special invite, from the USDF Judges Committee, for all "L" Graduates and "L" Graduates with Distinction.

You are all welcome to join the events listed below at the 2008 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention & Symposium.

• Judges Roundtable - Wednesday, December 3rd
  

• Judges Roundtable Educational Program - Wednesday December 3rd
  

Check out the convention agenda for more details (http://www.usdf.org/convention/2008/pdfs/2008Agenda.pdf) or contact me lprogram@usdf.org

No worries, I haven't forgotten those that are not "L" grads. You can go to www.usdf.org and see what fun events you can participate in @ conventions.

Such as the "L" Program Educational Q&A, with a panel of "L" Faculty, sharing updates on the program for 2009 included during convention. Did I mention that Kyra Kurkland is our symposium presenter? Really, you need to check out what is happening in Denver, Colorado the week of December 3rd through the 7th!

lprogram@usdf.org

News and More News

Are your ready for an update on what is going on in the "L" Program?

Here it goes:

• "L" Program Faculty is happy to welcome, Gary Rockwell, an FEI "O" Judge and USEF "S" Judge, to the faculty. Be on the look out for him in an "L" Program in the future.

• Secondly, the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention and Symposium is coming up on the first part of December (okay, not too soon for you but we/staff are deep in the planning and such) and they are quite a few fun events you might want to join in on, check it out at www.usdf.org. My next blog will be sharing some of the events you might be interested in.
  

• Thirdly, I am currently working with a few potential organizers on getting some new "L" Programs up and going. I can't share anything official at this point, sorry, but expect to hear something soon. The hot spots are Region 2 and Region 8 (not the Central Vermont Dressage Association Program but close ;-).

Okay, that is about it for now. I am getting ready to post another blog or two and then I am heading on vacation. I'll be out of the office from September 3rd to the 10th, but will be back (however reluctantly) and ready to catch you up on what is going with the "L" on the 11th.

As always contact me with Q's/feedback or comments at lprogram@usdf.org

Have a safe holiday weekend!

"L" Program FAQ Suggestions

I am creating a cheat sheet for those interested in the "L" Program. No, this isn't a cheat sheet for the final exam, written or practical. Nice try! :-)

Really, this is for those of you that are interested in the program and just want some basic questions answered. Questions answered that are for those interested in auditing, participating or organizing an "L" Program.

Any suggestions or questions that you may have would be greatly appreciated. I do have questions that I do receive via e-mail and the phone but I would really like to hear from you and what types of things you were or are looking for answers for in regards to the "L" Program.

If you wouldn't mind commenting on this blog or sending an e-mail (with subject title "L" Program FAQ) with your suggestions for FAQs on the program that would be great! And greatly appreciated!

lprogram@usdf.org or 859/971-2277

Where to find the FEI Handbook

You may have heard about the FEI Handbook through a few "L" Faculty members or just out in the world of dressage. Several of you have asked me where to purchase it.

Here are some options or places to order it:

The FEI Handbook, Guidelines for Judging, can be purchased directly through the FEI ( http://www.fei.org/Media/Publications/Pages/Various.aspx) and the price is CHF 40.00 plus postage (all proceeds from the book go to the education of FEI dressage judges :-).

OR

You can purchase it through Paddock Saddlery at http://www.paddocksaddlery.com/browse.cfm/4,1776.html

The price is listed at $62.00 US dollars plus postage.

Pomona Chapter of CDS - Approved Part 2

USDF Region 7, Pomona Chapter of CDS, has recently had a Part 2 approved. Currently, they are hosting a Part 1 and the Part 2 will start in March 2009.

For details (dates, locations and instructors) check out the USDF calendar at http://www.usdf.org/calendar/programs-events.asp or contact me at lprogram@usdf.org.

Recently Approved CVDA "L" Program

Check it out!

In USDF Region 8, hosted by Central Vermont Dressage Association, an "L" Program will be starting in November.

Click on the link below, on this page, titled USDF "L" Program Calendar and head towards Region 8 to see the dates, locations, instructors and contact information for the organizer.

CVDA is hosting both Part 1 (Sessions A, B, C and D1) as well as Part 2 (Session D2 and the Final Exam).

Questions or interested in participating/auditing this program, contact the program organizer, Terri Satterlee (tfglover@tds.net ), or me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859/971-2277.

Communication is the Key!

In today's technologically savvy world it is, at times, hard to provide the most up-to-date information. As soon as the information is distributed through the electronic channels (IM, internet, text messaging) it is old news.

This blog is one of the "L" Program's efforts to share up-to-date information with you about what is going on within the program administratively as well as within the programs taking place throughout the U.S.

Communication is the key and the challenge is communicating to you in a way that reaches you. We do need your help! If you have other suggestions, feedback or just want to share some thoughts about the program drop me a line.

Hopefully, you'll find this blog beneficial and informative!

Questions or feedback? contact me at lprogram@usdf.org

Updated "L" Program Documents

It has been a busy last few months and now there are updated documents available on the USDF website, including;

- "L" Program Organizer Guidelines
Highlights:

• "L" Participant Binders are now available on-line
• Effective 1/1/2009, faculty fees will increase for Sessions A, B and C
  
• Revised timeline for Sessions D1, D2 and the Final Exam

- "L" Program Host Application

- "L" Program Participant Guide
Highlights:

• "L" Participant Binders are now available on-line to all current candidates only
  
• "L" Graduates, Graduates with distinction are welcome to purchase a complete binder by contacting me at lprogram@usdf.org

Any questions? Contact me at lprogram@usdf.org

Welcome!

Introducing the USDF "L" Program blog!

Here is where you'll find current information about:

- Developments in the USDF "L" Program
- Any openings in the program from across the United States for "L" candidates
- Upcoming events involving the "L" Program
- Basic information about the program

Please tune-in and share your thoughts, comments and/or feedback on the blog or "L" Program.