Lexington, KY (October 15, 2018) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Sue Hughes has joined Mary Anne McPhail, Martha McDaniel, and Priscilla Endicott, as 2018 USDF Members of Distinction. As such, Sue will be recognized at this year's Salute Gala & Annual Awards Banquet, held during the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention. USDF Members of Distinction are USDF members recognized for their exceptional commitment to their local area or region.

Sue Hughes' long history in the dressage community began in 1968, at age 39, when she volunteered as a troop leader in her daughter's Girl Scouts Riding Camp. Sue committed to volunteering to the troop if someone would teach her how to ride, thus starting what would be a lengthy career, dedicated to promoting the sport of dressage in the United States. After furthering her skills through seven years of lessons with Violet Hopkins, Sue was inspired to join the Midwest Dressage Association (MDA), where she ultimately served on the MDA board for fourteen years, four of those years as president. During this time Sue volunteered on the Violet Hopkins/USDF Instructors Seminar Planning Committee, went on to become a USEF "r" judge, and received the 2007 Jean Brown Memorial Award from MDA, in recognition of her commitment to making a difference in the local dressage community. Sue was ultimately inducted as a lifetime member of the Midwest Dressage Association by a unanimous vote in celebration of her tireless service.

For more information about the USDF Member of Distinction Awards and Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, 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.