Applications for the 2005 USDF Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Awards are now being accepted. These awards premiered last year and include the USDF Team Leadership Award and the USDF Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Award.

The Team Leadership Award has been designed to reward outstanding student leaders who are members of USDF intercollegiate/interscholastic member organizations (IMOs). Eligible students must be a member of their school's IMO and must be nominated by their coach or a student member of their IMO. Each nominee must submit a resume; short essay; copy of their school transcripts; and letters of recommendation from a dressage coach, another student who is a member of the IMO, and a school faculty member who has taught the nominee. Nominations and materials are due by May 1, 2005. The winner will receive a certificate and a five-year participating membership with USDF. The names of the winner and two honorable mentions will be published in USDF Connection, the IMO newsletter, the USDF annual convention awards program, and press releases to national publications.

The Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Award has been designed to recognize all senior IMs with a 3.5 or better GPA. A student must have at least a 3.5 GPA and have been a member of their IMO for at least one year (including their senior year). Students must submit an application form and a copy of their official transcripts. Applications are due by May 15, 2005. All eligible IMs who fulfill the criteria will receive a certificate from USDF and will be recognized in USDF Connection and the USDF annual convention awards program.

These two new awards have been developed exclusively for the USDF Interscholastic/Intercollegiate members. IM membership is available to students who attend IMO schools. Any school from middle school through college that offers an equestrian studies program or student equestrian club can become a USDF IMO school. The goals of this Intercollegiate/Interscholastic program are to provide access to USDF educational programs and to provide communication and recognition of achievement to IMOs and their student members. USDF also works closely with the Intercollegiate Dressage Association to promote dressage interest, participation, and competitions among schools and students.

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.