Lexington, KY (October 30, 2020) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Sailor Boden, of Canyon Lake, CA, has been named 2020 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed, both nationally and locally, to USDF and dressage. As the winner, Sailor will be presented with a perpetual trophy, donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray, which is on permanent display in the Roemer/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

Sailor is the type of volunteer who offers her help willingly, before being asked. She is the enthusiastic smile as you enter the warm-up ring, the final “have a great ride” at the in-gate, and the supportive “Congratulations!” at the end of your ride. She goes above and beyond by driving several hours to volunteer at shows that she is not already attending, just so she can spend her weekend supporting the sport she loves. She can always be counted on to perform any job assigned with a cheerful smile and outgoing personality. Outside of the dressage world, Sailor organizes fundraising events and cares for the miniature horses at a mini rescue sanctuary, and is a member of her high school equestrian club where she assists her fellow club members at competitions, while utilizing the opportunity to spread the word about and introduce others to dressage. Additionally she serves as Vice President of Sales for her high school virtual enterprise class. In this role, she mentors students by helping them to develop business ideas that promote environmental sustainability and prepare for their college and job interviews. Sailor is unique in that she is able to balance an extensive list of extracurricular activities, academic success, a full-time riding program, and volunteering in a large capacity both inside and outside of the dressage community.

USDF Youth Programs Committee Chair Roz Kinstler adds, "All of us involved in dressage and USDF share a passion for our sport, and Sailor Boden is clearly a kindred spirit.  Ours is a difficult sport, and to see how excited she is to be involved in every way that she can reminds us all of why we do what we do.  From her effort to help both show management and her fellow exhibitors at competitions, to sharing her knowledge with her high school equestrian club members, it's apparent that she will find a way to stay involved with the sport and continue to contribute to its success, forever.  Our youth members are our future and with Sailor's help, USDF will prosper.”

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.