Lexington, KY (November 4, 2008) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that The Paddock Saddlery has expanded its sponsorship of the USDF to encompass all USDF Volunteer of the Year categories.  The Paddock Saddlery has sponsored the USDF Volunteer of the Year award since 2004, and will now also be the presenting sponsor of the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year awards, as well as each of the nine USDF Regional GMO Volunteer of the Year awards.  The Paddock Saddlery will provide a $500 gift certificate to the USDF Volunteer of the Year, a $250 gift certificate to the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year, and a $100 gift certificate to each of the USDF Regional GMO Volunteers of the Year as well as supporting the administration of the awards.  
          Each award was designed to recognize USDF members who demonstrate a commitment to USDF's mission through consistent and cumulative volunteer efforts.  Linda Schultz, USDF Director of Marketing, stated "We are very excited about expanding our relationship with The Paddock Saddlery. Paddock's owner, Lisa Gorretta, is herself a volunteer with many hours dedicated to the sport and she clearly recognized our need to reward others who step up and keep the dressage world going. "
          Lisa Gorretta, owner of The Paddock Saddlery, added "When presented with the request to expand our support of volunteer recognition for USDF, we considered it another opportunity for The Paddock to give back to the sport. We hope enhancing Regional recognition of volunteer service might also encourage members who generously give time and resources locally, to also consider regional and national service within USDF. As a volunteer first within my own GMO, this is certainly the path I followed when I served as a Delegate and later as a Committee Chair and as Region 2 Director on the USDF Executive Board."
          For more information about or to nominate a deserving volunteer for the USDF Volunteer of the Year, USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year, or USDF Regional GMO Volunteer of the Year awards, visit the USDF Web site, or contact the USDF office.

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.