The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that it has become an Equestrian Partner with the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR).

"The United States Dressage Federation is pleased to join the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource as an Equestrian Partner.  Our Executive Board feels that the spread of development into farm, pasture and other open space is a growing problem for horse enthusiasts" said Stephan Hienzsch, Executive Director of USDF.

Founded in 1997, the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting all who love, work with and ride horses to preserve land for equestrian use.  ELCR lives out this dedication by establishing partnerships across the spectrum of equine groups and with other land conservation organizations while raising awareness among this country's 7.1 million horsemen about the need to conserve their stabling, riding and showing land. Action is most effective at the local level, where obtaining information about land use policies, liability, easements, trusts, stewardship issues and the rights of all involved can be daunting.  ELCR provides information to individuals and groups in order to impact land protection at the local level.

"We began the Equestrian Partner program so that we would be able to reach horse owners in a wide-ranging and effective manner," said Kandee Haertel, Executive Director of ELCR.  "USDF's extensive membership base and the level of involvement their members have with their horses make them perfect partners.  We look forward to working with their staff and membership."

The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving land for owning, stabling, riding, and competing horses.  ELCR may be contacted at 126B North Main Street, Elizabeth, IL 60128 or by calling (815) 858-3501. You may also visit www.elcr.org.

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 [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.