The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the first Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF "L'" Graduates was held October 29th, 2005 in Leesburg, VA, hosted by PVDA and VADA/Nova in a cooperative venture. Titled "Upgrade Your Judging Eye II" this program was held during the Sixth Annual USDF/State Line Tack Region One Adult Team Competition at Morven Park. Sally O'Connor, USEF "S'"Judge and FEI "C" Judge, was the instructor for the group, which consisted of USDF "L" graduates, a USEF "r" judge and auditors.

This program utilized the competition setting to practice judging as well as watching actual tests being performed with on-going commentary provided by Sally O'Connor, the instructor. Along with sharpening their judging skills on actual tests, the group spent a portion of the weekend in a classroom, watching videos on the topics of judging, gaits and paces. O'Connor also fielded specific questions and discussed differences between judging styles. "The response [for this program] was overwhelmingly positive with many requests for more," commented Alison Head, co-organizer with Robin Shelleman of the PVDA/NOVA program. 

"The Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF "L'" Graduates,'"was developed by the USDF Judges Committee, to provide for, and continually improve, the training of individuals currently licensed as judges and those aspiring to become licensed. This program, implemented on a regional level, is designed to offer several different formats, from a classroom structure to a competition or clinic setting. In offering several program formats and topics, each region is able to tailor the program to their individual continuing education needs. This program also allows auditors the unique opportunity to gain insight into the judge's box as well as help improve their competitive edge.

Regional grants are available through USDF for this program, funded by the Edgar Hotz Judges Endowment Fund, through The Dressage Foundation. The Dressage Foundation's mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage. There are grant requirements that must be met in order to be eligible to receive the regional grant.

If you are interested in learning about this new program, as an organizer, instructor or participant, or are interested in applying for a Continuing Education Grant, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact Kim Sodt at ksodt@usdf.org or (859) 271-7876. 

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, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.