Lexington, KY (August 12, 2021) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Roberta Williams, of Wellington, FL, has been selected as USDF's 2021 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, Roberta will be recognized at the Friday night Salute Gala, held during the 2021 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention, and 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 her work as an active instructor and trainer, Roberta has worn many hats and been involved in many different aspects of USDF and dressage over the years. Currently serving as USDF Junior/Young Rider Committee Chair, she is also a member of the USDF Historical Recognition, Regional Championships, and Youth Programs Committees. In her nomination, her longtime friend and fellow committee member Roz Kintsler (USDF's 2015 Volunteer of the Year) spoke of the many qualities; including her passion for the sport, her generosity and willingness to guide new volunteers, her infectious enthusiasm, and her dedication to the future of the sport exhibited by her endless work with the youth portion of our community, which make Roberta a perfect choice to receive this honor.

Roberta's dedication and experience is most evident in her work with the North American Youth Championships (NAYC). Here, she has the enormous task of coordinating USDF and United States Equestrian Federation's (USEF) involvement in creating the annual qualifying criteria, which proved especially cumbersome due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also plays a major role in the USDF Junior/Young Rider Clinic program, working with area coordinators and serving as one of the evaluators to review each potential participant's application video.

USDF President Lisa Gorretta added, “Roberta is an excellent choice for this important award. She has been both an exceptional leader and an outstanding mentor for literally hundreds of NAYC regional chefs, plus juniors, young riders, and their parents. A valuable member of several other USDF committees, as well as the Editorial Board of USDF Connection, Roberta's dedication to USDF has been remarkable, appreciated, and now appropriately recognized.”

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.