UDS is Happy to Introduce the Candidates!We appreciate these candidates' willingness to step up and offer their time and energy to run for the positions. Below is a list of candidates in alphabetical order by the board position first and then alphabetically by last name. Please look for the election ballots later this month. Board Position: Director of Communications Candidate: Lara OlesBio: In 2012, Lara, her husband, and a menagerie of pets, moved to Heber City to pursue her dream of representing the United States on the Para Dressage Team at the Paralympics. She trains with Annie Sweet at Sage Creek Equestrian, and now owns two dressage horses in addition to two Tennessee Walking horses for trail riding. Lara signed on with the UDS as the Adult Education Coordinator in the fall of 2012, and helped plan a Scribe clinic with “L” Judge Marlo Vivenzio, and a riding clinic with Mette Rosencrantz in 2013. For 2014 they decided to make the Education Coordinator a Board member. Lara took the position and helped plan a freestyle clinic with Karen Robinson and a Bits and Bitting clinic with U.S. Herm Sprenger representative Lori Carter. Board Position: Director of CompetitionsCandidate: Nance AllenBio: Many people know me as "the lady who runs the HoofPrints schooling shows" which encourages all riders to practice their dressage tests. Others know me from the startup of the Short Tour Series that UDS devised and has promoted to great success; while others know me as a past president of UDS. I am all of those – The common thread being a commitment to the promotion of dressage in Utah. As Director of Competitions, I will incorporate those experiences to support the variety of dressage competitions, competitors and coaches in our service area which includes parts of Idaho, parts of Wyoming, parts of Nevada, and the WHOLE of Utah. It is also my wish for all of us to join together to offer riders opportunities to prepare for Regional and National Championships. I look forward to working with you all. Sincerely Nance Allen Board Position: Director of Education Candidate: Stacey HornsbyBio: I grew up as a horse crazy kid just outside of New York City and for my 12 birthday my grandfather bought me a package of riding lessons and I never looked back since! I have competed in hunter/Jumpers, Eventing, Western Pleasure, Dressage, and Jousting Games through the SCA. I graduated with a degree in Equine Science from Centenary College, then graduated from Purdue University as a Veterinary Technician and I have been a Nurse for 20 years with a specialty in clinical education. When I lived in Indiana I owned and operated a small horse boarding and training facility with the main focus on Eventing, 4H and helping kids learn to bond with their ponies. Since moving to Utah 10 years ago, I ran a 4H club, showed Dressage and have been a trainer and lunger for the Technique Equestrian Vaulting Club. I regret having to step down from being President of the UDS back in 2010 but health and family issues took precedence. I learned a lot from my time on the UDS board and enjoyed bringing the L Program to Utah. With my background in education I feel the new Director of Education position would be a lot of fun for me as it will combine two things I love best - horses and teaching/organizing events that will make us better with and for our horses! Board Position: Treasurer Candidate: Alison ChildBio: Alison has been in the sport since 1996 but has managed to become a USDF “L” graduate (with distinction), and has earned both her bronze and silver medals on her Hanoverian, Shaka Zulu. Alison showed her talented new young horse, World Games (“Woody”), at first level last year and after a bumpy summer looks forward to the challenges of third level in the 2015 show season. She has been a member of the UDS for at least 16 years and was honored with the USDF Region 5 Volunteer of the Year Award for 2013. She was also instrumental in bringing the USDF Region 5 Championships to Utah for the first time in 2012. Alison is also a professional saddle fitter representing the Trilogy line by Performance Saddlery. As a 33-year resident of Park City, Alison is very active in the community and serves on a variety of non-profit boards. A big outdoor enthusiast, she loves to hike, fly fish, mountain bike and ski with her husband of 30 years, Paul Kirwin. They have three dogs, two horses and many visiting friends and relatives. Board Position: Vice President Candidate: MJ BabcookBio: Like many Adult Amateurs, I did not ride as a child. When I did begin riding about 5 years ago, it was as a western rider. But I found my true calling in dressage with Chopin, my locally bred and born Oldenburg-Arabian gelding, and many friends within the UDS community. After 2 years on the board as vice-president, I have decided to run again to put into practice all I've learned: how the annual show works and being available for any job as necessary at the annual show, organizing and running the silent auction at the banquet, working with the catering folks at the banquet. Because I am self-employed, I can and will continue to arrange my schedule to accommodate the varied demands of serving on a board with a diverse group of needs. Onward and upward. Board Position: Vice President Candidate: Sydni OttesenBio: I have been riding dressage in the state since I was young girl and have always had a deep passion for our sport. After being a working student and assistant trainer for FEI trainer Trisha Kerwin for many many years I split off to create my own business and have since trained and competed through Prix St George. I'm am education junkie and am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and am currently working on becoming an L judge and a USDF certified instructor. By being on the UDS board I hope to be able to create an even more harmonious relationship with the UDS with the membership and to enhance in every way possible the quality of dressage in our state. My goal is to find ways for the UDS to better serve all the members it represents!

Lorelei and Mike Carter came to educate the Bits and Bitting Clinic participants about bits and how to fit them correctly. The clinic presentation on Friday evening offered information about how to measure the proper bit length and bit thickness, as well as how important it is to get it right. We learned that the thickness of the bit is extremely important. Too thick bit can be extremely painful as it will press against the area inside of the horse's mouth where there is only a thin layer of gums on top of bone. If the bit is too thin, it can move too much and can possibly hit against the sensitive gums. We also got a short education about the different metals that are used for bits and why they have been used and what research has gone into figuring all of this out. On Saturday, Lorelei and Mike helped three participants by measuring the their horses' mouth widths and heights. They let them try bits to see how the horse reacted to the new bit. They advised that it is always best to observe the horse from the ground first when trying a new bit for safety reasons. All the participants learned new information and went home with a fabulous product samples from Lorelei and Mike.

Have you ever had a challenge in finding the correct bit for your horse? Do you have questions regarding the fit of the bit you are currently using? Are you about to start using a double-bridle and intimidated about how to fit it correctly? The Bits and Bitting Seminar and Clinic is offered to help you find answers to these questions. The first part of the clinic is a lecture seminar with time for questions and answers. This part is held on Friday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Sandy City Bicentennial Park indoor pavilion. The address is 530 E 8680 S., Sandy, UT. Cost is $5 in advance, $10 at the door. The second part of the clinic is the bit fitting session will be at Rose Ranch Stables. The fitting sessions start at 10:00 a.m. Address to the Rose Ranch Stables is 11162 S Redwood Rd,. South Jordan, UT. The cost for this part of the clinic is $15.00 and you have to register in advance to reserve a spot. To get more information about the clinic, contact Lara Oles at lara.n.dan@gmail.com You can send a check payable to UDS to Utah Dressage Society, PO Box 562, Draper UT 84020. Or pay by PayPal right here on the UDS web site.

Two new classes have been added to the ShortTour End of the Year Show being held on FRIDAY August 22 at the Wasatch County Events Center in Heber. The classes are 101a-Eventing TOC in Short Court (20m x 40m) and 101b -Eventing TOC in Regular Court (20m x 60m). You do NOT need to be a member of the Utah Dressage Society. These classes do not qualify for ribbons or prizes. To avoid the late fee you need to get your entry postmarked by Tuesday. I know that's a tight timeline. We just received approval to add the classes. Below is link to the Prizelist and the Entry Form. **Remember to make the check to UDS and send it to Heather Petersen 12395 Gull Lane, Peyton, CO 80831** The judge is Simone Windeler 'L' from Colorado. She has experience judging Eventing tests and understands what the tests are looking for. If you have questions, please contact Nance Allen! Pass the word on to your friends. I hope these classes will become a fixture at this show for the future, but riders will need to sign up. I look forward to seeing you all in Heber. For more info, call Nance Allen 801.274.1288. http://utahdressagesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ShortTourEntryForm2014.pdf http://utahdressagesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2014EOY-show.pdf

The Juniors and the Young Riders went for a fun, even if unusual outing on March 22nd. They practiced roping! Please note that no goats were harmed during this activity.We would like to thank Chris Dickinson for the nice photos!

Great news! The Freestyle Clinic on May 3 - 4 at Shaman's Circle Ranch with Karen Robinson will be reality. We have received enough entries to make it possible to run the clinic! Thank you for those you who decided to participate. It will be an exciting learning opportunity for us all.

New board members are:President - Carol Kounanis Secretary - Lucy Knorr Membership Director - Christine Celestino Events Director - Cathleen Torlina Proposal to replace the Marketing Director position with Education Director position passed For vote counts click here. If you have any questions, contact MJ Babcook at madgeelf@gmail.com

A FINE TIME WAS HAD BY ALL at our annual year-end bash. A big thank-you to Lucy Knorr of EquuSmile Photography for these beautiful pictures.

Location: Old Mill Clubhouse Address: 6080 Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84121 Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. by November 1st. Members will receive an invitation via e-mail.

Open positions are: President, Secretary, Membership Director and Events Director If you are interested, or know someone who is interested in serving on the Board, please contact MJ Babcook. Via phone - 801.703.3283 Via email - madgeelf@gmail.com

For both Horse-and-Rider combination and Equine Year-End Awards mail your scores to: Sue Jero, 13757 Shaggy Mountain Rd, Herriman, UT 84096. The envelope must be postmarked on or before October 15, 2013. Do NOT mail scores to the UDS Post Office Box. Emailed, faxed, or hand delivered scores will NOT be accepted. For more detailed information about the rules and eligibility, please check Omnibus pages 73-74.

Nominate that special Junior or Young Rider for a sportsmanship award! This award recognizes outstanding sportsmanship amongst uDS Junior and Young Rider members. List of traits that the UDS Sportsmanship Committee believes define good sportsmanship are: Courage, Good Judgment, Integrity, Kindness, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility and Self-Dicipline. Again, please refer to the pg 61 in your Omnibus for more details and the fomr you can send to nominate someone, or click here to print out the form.