USDF Announces New Executive Board Members

Lincoln, Nebraska (January 7, 2002) -The members of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) have elected five new members to represent their interests on the USDF Executive Board. Delegates from the odd-numbered regions recently voted their choice for Regional Director at the USDF Annual Convention, held November 28-December 1 in Orlando, Florida.

These five members are part of a 13-member executive board that consists of nine regional directors and four officers. Serving three-year terms, elections are staggered to provide for continuity among the board. In addition to directing the activities in their region, the Regional Directors conduct the business of the Federation through meetings during the USDF Annual Convention, at a spring meeting, and in conference calls throughout the year.

The new Executive Board Members serving for the years 2002-2004 are:

Alison Head of Hamilton, Virginia was elected as Region One Director, representing the states of Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Alison owns and operates Looking Glass Farm, a training facility for horses and riders through Grand Prix. A former practicing attorney and current member of the Virginia State Bar, Alison was long listed with the U.S. Equestrian Team riding Granus. She has served as vice-president of the Virginia Dressage Association, and president of its Northern Virginia chapter. A graduate of the USDF "L" education program, she is working towards earning her USA Equestrian judging license.

Sandra Bishop of Panama City Beach, Florida was elected as Region Three Director, representing the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Sandra has studied dressage for almost 30 years, and has ridden through Intermediate I. An active board member of the Deep South Dressage and Combined Training Association, she has served as volunteer to assist with their many competitions, clinics and programs, including the USDF "L" Program. She has served as a delegate to every USDF annual convention since 1992, and has served on the USDF Group Member Organization Council as regional coordinator. Sandra and her husband own four restaurants in the panhandle of Florida. She not only holds the title of Chief Financial Officer for their corporation, but is extremely active in the daily management of each operation.

Theresa Hunt of Glendale, Arizona was elected Region Five Director, representing the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, eastern Montana and western Texas. Theresa was raised in a military family and learned to ride in Japan. After graduating from college, she became an officer in the US Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and served for 20 years. During her career she continued her interest in horses, showing in hunters, three-day eventing, and dressage. While stationed in Germany, she earned the German bronze riding medal. She has served as president of the Arizona Dressage Association, managed dressage shows, and assisted with the USDF National Symposium in Arizona. A graduate of the USDF "L" Program, Theresa is also a USA Equestrian dressage technical delegate.

Melissa Creswick of Clovis, California was elected Region Seven Director, representing the states of California, Hawaii and Nevada. Melissa is a "R" dressage judge and "r" dressage sport horse breeding judge. For the past 25 years, she has owned and managed Clovis Training Center, a training facility with 75 horses. A USDF Silver medalist, she has trained two FEI horses and competed to Grand Prix. As an instructor, many of her students have earned their bronze and silver medals. She has served on the board of the California Dressage Society and served as their president for three years. She has also served on several USDF committees including All-Breeds, Sport Horse, Quadrille, Adult Education, and Test Writing.

Kathryn "Kat" Kyle of Bandera, Texas was elected Region Nine Director, representing the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Kat is a "r" dressage judge and operate a breeding farm as well as an exotic-wildlife business. She is a charter member of the Texas Dressage Society, and founding member of the Southwestern Dressage Association in New Mexico where she served as president and newsletter editor. Since moving back to Texas, she has served as president of the Alamo Dressage Association. For USDF, she has served on the USDF Regional Championships Committee and was the volunteer show secretary for the Region Five championships for five years.