Lexington, KY (December 1, 2014) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Terry Ciotti Gallo has been named the 2014 USDF Volunteer of the Year.  This award recognizes a USDF member who, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF's mission.  As the winner, Terry will be presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is permanently on display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, will be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, and will receive a “keeper” trophy.

Terry, of Winter Springs, FL, has made major contributions as a volunteer to dressage on the national, regional, and local level.  Her dedication to education is evident through her work with the USDF Judges Committee and the USDF “L” Program, as well as serving as member of the USDF Freestyle Committee, six years as its chair.  Terry has been at the center of all freestyle education that has been developed over the years. 

“Her dedication and passion for promoting musical freestyle, and riding to music, has brought us all to a new level of sophistication and understanding.  She is a person that we all hope will continue to share her knowledge for many years to come, and is a joy as a person and musical ambassador,” stated Dolly Hannon, chair of the USDF Freestyle Committee.

"Terry's love for dance and music can be clearly seen in her selfless volunteer work with freestyles.  Her dedication over the years is to be commended," added Marilyn Heath, 2013 Roemer/USDF Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

For more information on the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at [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.