Continuing Education Program Approved for Region 9

Austin Dressage Unlimited was approved to host the Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF “L” Graduates: Upgrade Your Judges Eye Part 1.

When: Febuary 19-20, 2011

Where: Georgetown, TX

With: Maryal Barnett (S)

Topic: Judging Methodology for the New Tests

Contact Carol Schmickrath (BrookstoneFarm@aol.com ) or Marilyn Kulifay (mkulifay2@aol.com) if you are interested in participating in this great continuing education opportunity.

If you have any questions about the Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF “L” Graduates please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

New L graduates:

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the Utah Dressage Society’s "L" Program's final exam (held November6-7).

Rebecca Armstrong, CA

Stephanie Brown- Beamer, UT

Julie Haugen, CO

*Trisha Kerwin, UT

Hilary Moore, MD

Wendy Rhea, CA

Sara Silva, NV

*Kristen Skinner-Boyd, ON

Mario Vivenzio, UT

Stacy Williams, UT

*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?regionpass=5&Typepass=Graduates, 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

Continuing Education Program Approved for Region 8

Dressage 4 Kids Inc. was approved to host the Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF “L” Graduates: Upgrade Your Judges Eye Part 1.

When: January 30, 2011

Where: Woodbury, Ct

With: Margret Freeman, USEF ‘S’ Judge

Topic: 2011 Tests and Judge Forum

Contact Margret Freeman (margfree@aol.com) if you are interested in participating in this great continuing education opportunity.

If you have any questions about the Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF “L” Graduates please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

New Part 2 Approved in Region 6

Equestrian’s Institute, USDF Region 6, applied for a Part 2 and was approved.
The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 2

Session D1; May7-8, 2011; Sherwood, OR; Axel Steiner

Session D2; July 16-17, 2011; Auburn, WA; Janet Foy

Final Exam; October 8-9, 2011; Rancho Murieta, CA; Alex Steiner, Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez


Contact Trenna Atkins: trennaatkins@comcast.net to participate.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 2 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

Congrats to the new "L" Graduates!

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association "L" Program's final exam (held October 15-16, 2010).


Kathryn K. Bauman, SC
Kathleen C, Betzel, SC
Kelly Eaton, GA
Dana Ferguson, GA
*Keli Gambrill, GA
*Christine M. Pritchard, GA
Carolyn West, NC



*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?regionpass=3&Typepass=Graduates 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

Congrats to the new "L" Graduates!

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society "L" Program's final exam (held July 24-25, 2010).


* Mary Richmond Brown, ID
Laurie Ford, NC
* Jane Judson, WA
* Deborah Moynihan, CT
Douglas Puterbaugh, MI



*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

Congrats to the new "L" Graduates!

A huge 'Congratulations' are in order for the candidates that graduated from the South West Chapter of the Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Association "L" Program's final exam (held August 28-29, 2010).

Tricia Joaquin, WI
*Erin Mc Elmurry, MI
Michelle,Sieracki, WI
Linda, Sorensen, WI
Stephanie Van de Ven, MI
Caryn C. Vesperman,WI
*Amy M. Walker-Basak, IL




*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

New Part 1 Approved for Region 2

Dancing Horse Farm Inc, USDF Region 2, applied for a Part 1 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 1

Session A; January 15-16, 2011; Lebanon, OH; Alexsandra Howard

Session B; March 12-13, 2011; Lebanon, OH; Marilyn Heath

Session C; April 30 & May 1, 2011; Lebanon, OH; Joan Humphrey

Contact Lori Amen at lori@dancinghorsefarmoh.com to participate or audit.
For more information visit http://dancinghorsefarmoh.com/LProgram.html

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 1 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

New Part 1 Approved for Region 6

Oregon Dressage Society, USDF Region 6, applied for a Part 1 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 1

Session A; January 22-23, 2011; Sherwood, OR; Janet Foy

Session B; February 26-27, 2011; Sherwood, OR; Trenna Atkins

Session C; March26-27, 2011; Sherwood, OR; Axel Steiner

Contact Edwin A Miller at eamgroup@aol.com to participate or audit.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 1 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

New Part 1 Approved in Region 9

Oklahoma Dressage Society, USDF Region 9, applied for a Part 1 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 1

Session A; July 23-24, 2011; Claremore, OK; Lois Yukins

Session B; September 9-10, 2011; Harrah, OK; Maryal Barnett

Session C; October 22-23, 2011; Kellyville, OK; Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez

Contact Anne Kuhns at akuhns@atlasok.com to participate or audit.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 1 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

Part 1 Approved for Kansas City Dressage Society

KCDS, USDF Region 4, applied for a Part 1 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 1

Session A; November 13-14 2010; Bonner Springs, KS; Bill Solyntjes

Session B; January 22-23, 2011; Bonner Springs, KS; Debbie Riehl Rodriguez

Session C; March 5-6, 2011; Bonner Springs, KS; Marilyn Heath

Contact Beth Springer at beth@bpequine.com to participate or audit.

*KCDS will be applying for a Part 2 soon so keep your eye open for it in the future.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 1 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

FEI Dressage Handbook (Guidelines for Judging) Available through USDF

You can now purchase the FEI Dressage Handbook (Guidelines for Judging), a book on the USDF "L" Education Program recommended reading list, through the USDF store.

AND if you are a participating member of USDF you will receive a discount on the price as well. Check it out by clicking on the title of this blog or go to www.usdf.org.

Happy reading and learning!

Other rumblings of "L" Programs

There are a few other programs that may be appearing in the near future.

A potential program may appear in Ohio, Region 2, and they have expressed interest in hosting both Part 1 and Part 2. Expect to see something on this blog soon as we have the application going through the review/approval process now.

Another potential host in Region 4, Missouri, has also expressed a strong interest in hosting a program (Part 1 and 2) starting in the fall of 2010. A host application has yet to arrive but I hear it is on its way to my desk.

Other rumblings revolve around potential Part 2s and they are coming from the USDF Regions 6 and 8. We have talked about the idea of getting a stand alone Part 2 going, in these two regions, but no official paperwork has been received in house as of yet. My fingers are crossed...

Let me know if you have any questions about participating in the program or have any interest in getting an "L" Program started in your area.

lprogram@usdf.org or 859/271-7876

Part 2 Approved for NEDA!

NEDA, USDF Region 8, applied for a Part 2 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 2

Session D1; May 14-15, 2011; Marshfield, MA; Lois Yukins

Session D2; July 16-17, 2011; Southampton, MA; Trenna Atkins

Final Exam; September 15-18, 2011; Saugerties, NY; Trenna Atkins & Maryal Barnett

Contact Sally Davenport at sallydav57@aol.com to participate.
No silent auditors allowed in Part 2.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 2 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

Approved Part 1 with NEDA!

NEDA, USDF Region 8, applied for a Part 1 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 1

Session A; January 8-9th, 2011; Medfield, MA; Lois Yukins

Session B; February 19-20th, 2011; Medfield, MA; Janet Foy

Session C; April 2-3rd, 2011; Medfield, MA; Maryal Barnett

Contact Sally Davenport at sallydav57@aol.com to participate or audit.

*NEDA has also applied for a Part 2 which is going through the approval process now.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 1 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

2010 USDF "L" Participant Binder/Flash Drive Ready

Phewww...it's been a busy spring and early summer! I apologize for not letting you all know sooner that the 2010 USDF "L" Participant Binder/Flash drive is all ready.

If you have a USDF "L" Participant Flash drive, and have access to a computer with internet your flash should automatically search out the updates and update the flash drive.

If you have a hard copy binder you can access the 2010 "L" material by going to the USDF website, www.usdf.org, logging in using your USDF member number and your own established password.

Once you are logged in at www.usdf.org, click on the following:
1. Education
2. Forms & Documents
3. USDF "L" Participant Binder (left hand side of webpage)

You'll find an instruction sheet that you can open and which will share what has been updated and needs to be replaced.

If you have any questions or issues in updating the material please do not hesitate to contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859/271-7876

Note: You must be an "L" candidate or "L" Graduate in order to access the USDF "L" Participant binder through the USDF website.

Another Part 2 Opportunity!

STRIDE, USDF Region 3, applied for a Part 2 and was approved. The dates, locations and instructors are as follows:

Part 2

Session D1; March 12-13th, 2011; Ocala, FL; Marianne Ludwig

Session D2; May 7-8th, 2011; Gainesville, FL; Maryal Barnett

Final Exam; August 28-29th, 2011; Tampa, FL; Tracey Lert & Betsy Berrey

Contact Charlotte Trentelman at rebelridge@aol.com to participate.

If you have any questions about being eligible for the above Part 2 please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.

Need a Part 2? Opportunities are Here!

There are a couple of opportunities coming your way...

Rocky Mountain Dressage Society is hosting a D2 and Final Exam. There is still room to join them, contact Heather Petersen at slush@drgw.net.

Session D2; May 15-16, 2010
Longmont, CO; Rocky Mountain Dressage I & II
Instructor: Janet Foy

Final Exam: July 24-25, 2010
Longmont, CO; Autumn Hill Dressage Festival III&IV
Examiners: Marianne Ludwig & Gary Rockwell

AND

Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association's Part 2 is as follows:

Session D2; June 12-13, 2010; Conyers, GA; Gary Rockwell
Final Exam; October 15-17, 2010; Conyers, GA; Gary Rockwell & Marilyn Heath

Contact Dennie Kludt at denicekludt@earthlink.net or Ann Genovese at goodhorseman@att.net to participate.

If you have questions regarding if you are eligible to participate in the above Part 2's, please contact me at lprogram@usdf.org

Ask a Judge

Do you have a question that you have been burning to ask a dressage judge?

If so, send it in to lprogram@usdf.org.

In the USDFConnection, "L" Faculty members answer the questions submitted by membership and the answers are published in the magazine.

So, come on, here is your chance. Ask your questions and tell your friends to send in their questions as well.

Please place 'Judge Question' in the e-mail header and e-mail questions to lprogram@usdf.org.

Odds & Ends

Well, this winter has gone on and on, hasn't it? I don't know about all of you but I am ready for spring!

In preparing for spring, (even if it isn't coming fast enough...) there are a few things to share with you as a heads up:

1. The 2010 edition of the USDF "L" Participant Binder is about to be rolled out, estimated to be presented the first part of March. A news release will be posted on the USDF website and on this blog.

*The binder revisions will be accessible, for download, through the USDF website. You must be a current member of USDF and be either an "L" Candidates or Graduates.

2. The USDF "L" Participant Binder is available as a hard copy binder or flash drive through the USDF store. *Must be 'L' Candidate or Graduate to purchase.

3. An e-news, from USDF, will be going out to all involved in the "L" Program to ask you where you are in the program and what you need to complete it. Please send me an e-mail, as prompted in the e-news, and let me know the answers to the questions.

The USDF "L" Program is working on seeing what the needs are for you and then we'll work towards meeting those needs. Your responses to the e-news will be a great help!

4. Coming soon, the USDF store will be selling the FEI Judges Handbook which is listed on the "L" Program recommended reading list.

That is it for general announcements. I'll be in touch soon with more current news and such.
As always feel free to contact me at lprogram@usdf.org

Heads Up for Re-testers!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Hope you all had a safe and fun New Year celebration! For all those that are looking to re-test the "L" Program; there is an organizer that is planning on applying for a Final Exam, only the final, in California. The exam would be in late February in Burbank, if approved by the "L" Program Standing Committee.

All those interested in re-testing the final exam AND that are eligible let me know. If you have any questions about your eligibility please drop me a line via e-mail or call; lprogram@usdf.org or 859-271-7876