Lexington, KY (September 2, 2020) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Jean Kraus, of Fulton, MO, has been selected as USDF’s 2020 Volunteer of the Year honoree. Members recognized with this honor have demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF's mission, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities. As this year’s honoree, Jean will be presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

In addition to being a Registered Technical Delegate (TD), Jean also holds advanced degrees in Counseling Psychology and Information Science. This education has provided Jean with tools that she has applied to the development of education programs for TDs, including course curriculum for TD and Pony Measurement clinics and online learning modules and resources. Jean also currently serves as USDF Technical Delegates Committee Chair, is a member of the USDF Licensed Officials Education Task Force and Regional Championships Committee, and serves on the USDF Rules Advisory Working Group and the Licensed Officials Working Group of the United States Equestrian Federation Dressage Sport Committee. According to Jean, her role as a teacher, being a tenured professor of Equestrian Studies at William Woods University, permeates everything she does as a TD, evidenced by her mission to promote positive learning and spark the student’s interest in and pursuit of lifelong learning and its application in her development of TD education.

USDF President Lisa Gorretta commented, “Jean is a perfect choice for this important recognition of national service. She serves not only as a committee chair, but as an integral member of several other committees and working groups, always saying ‘yes’ when asked. Jean brings energy and enthusiasm to every challenge she takes on and encourages both new and seasoned volunteers to work with her in accomplishing the tasks. She seamlessly transitions between her professional life as a college professor and an educator in the field for us and we are very lucky to have her.”

For more information about 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.