The USDF Convention held the first week in December each year brings together members to learn, elect, discuss and decide on the issues which affect our sport in America. The meeting is also to honor those who have contributed to the sport, from the GMO newsletters and websites, volunteers, organizers, and riders who have achieved the distinction of their Bronze, Silver, and Gold status. Awards are also presented to horse of the year, breeder of the year, and amateurs who have reached the distinction of achievement. Attendees can collect USDF University points for attending the educational seminars held throughout the week. At the conclusion of the Board of Governor’s meeting the USDF voted to institute a USDF Dressage National Championships bringing together the winners of the Regional Champioships throughout the country in the fall of 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.USDF Approves National Dressage Championships Lexington, KY (December 4, 2011) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce approval by its Board of Governors of a US national dressage championship beginning in 2013.  This championship will be a head to head competition showcasing Adult Amateur and Open riders at Training Level through Grand Prix. With invitations to be extended to competitors who have qualified through the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, the inaugural championship (exact name TBD) will take place in the fall of 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) in Lexington, KY.  The KHP was the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  It also hosts the annual Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. According to USDF President George Williams, the first formal discussions within the USDF, regarding a US national championship, started almost 20 years ago.  Williams also states, “This is indeed an exciting day for American dressage and in particular, our adult amateur competitors.”Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement and promotion of dressage.  For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call 859-971-2277.