November 15, 2006 (Lexington, KY) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Meredith Baker has been chosen as the USDF nominee for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Charter Award. Baker was chosen from a field of nine nominees from each USDF region for this award which recognizes outstanding junior members who are active and in good standing with the USEF and their own national affiliate organization. 
          Nominees must demonstrate an ongoing dedication to the promotion of the horse, exhibit positive sportsmanship principles, and serve as a role model for their peers.  The regional nominees, from which Baker was selected, include Noel Williams of Delaware, OH, Katherine T. Murray of Brentwood, TN, Jasmine Rae Hobart of Rowley, IA, Jackson Freismuth of Whitewater, CO, Jessica Crawford of Tualatin, OR, Amanda Harlan of Oakville, CA, Stephanie R. Nowak of East Greenwich, RI, and Lauren Hadley of Ponca City, OK.  
As the national nominee, Baker will receive a certificate, lapel pin, and exclusively designed hat from USEF. She also wins an expenses-paid trip to a five day Career Workshop Program sponsored by USEF in Lexington, Kentucky in June 2007.  In addition, she is eligible for selection as the overall USEF Youth Sportsman's Charter Award winner, with the potential to receive a $1,000 educational scholarship, a trophy, and a Lifetime Membership to USEF.
          Baker, a high school senior from Columbia, MD, was selected by USDF as their national nominee based upon her academic and equestrian achievements, dedication to promoting equine welfare, commitment to volunteerism, and leadership in extracurricular activities.  She is an active member of the Redland Hunt Pony Club, competes successfully in both dressage and eventing, conducts clinics and lessons for younger members, has represented the Maryland Region at the United States Pony Club (USPC) Nationals, and served as Captain of the Maryland Region First Level Dressage Team at the USPC Nationals East competition.
          Beyond her equestrian responsibilities, Baker interns at a local veterinary hospital and has completed several research projects on equine health, soundness and behavior as a participant in her school's Gifted and Talented Research Program. She promotes equine welfare by sharing the results of her studies with Pony Club study groups and by organizing educational sessions for local horse owners. Her career goal is to become an equine surgeon. Baker is an "A" student, a member of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Future Educators of America, and participates in the Student Leadership Cadre.

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.