Lexington, KY (October 24, 2007) - Taking advantage of their proximity in the Kentucky Horse Park, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) have agreed to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects.  According to Karin Glassman, USDF Director of Programs and Education, "this cooperation supports the educational missions of both organizations while strengthening the development of dressage in the United States. USDF brings to this relationship an in-depth educational curriculum about dressage theory, training, judging, and instructional techniques, while USPC adds its legacy of promoting horse management and a system of nationally approved standards for achievement by youth members."
          Peggy Entrekin, USPC Executive Director, is "excited about the fact that we are working closely with USDF to strengthen our relationship and provide opportunities for our youth members.  Now is the perfect time to be undertaking these joint ventures in light of USPC beginning our new Specialty Dressage Ratings at the C-3, B, and A levels."  Glassman adds that since USPC has extended its membership age to 25 and instituted a Horsemasters program for adults, USDF and USPC can extend their educational offerings about dressage to members of both organizations at any age and at all levels of ability.
          Several shared projects have already been completed, including jointly organized educational workshops held at the USDF National Education Center during the USPC Festival 2007, incorporation of the USPC Manual of Horsemanship into the recommended reading list for USDF Certified Instructor candidates, invitations to Pony Club members to attend USDF Youth Team Championships and the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, and inclusion of qualified USPC Dressage Specialty Examiners in the eligibility criteria to attend the Succeed/USDF FEI- Level Trainers' Conferences.
          In the near future, plans are underway to include USDF educational modules in the agenda for the USPC Annual Meeting 2008 in Boston, MA, develop a new dressage recognition award, promote freestyle and quadrille competition, and enhance the dialogue between USPC examiners and USDF examiners, faculty, and certified instructors.  USDF is currently seeking to identify USDF Certified Instructors and "L" Program graduates who have ties to their local Pony Clubs or to USPC at the national level, or who wish to work with their local Pony Clubs as an instructor, clinician, lecturer, or examiner.
          For more information about the partnership, please contact USDF at [email protected] or [email protected].

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.