Lexington, KY (November 21, 2013) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Sally Davenport has been named the 2013 USDF Volunteer of the Year Award.  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, Sally 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.

            Sally, of Scituate, MA, has made major contributions as a volunteer to dressage on the national, regional, and local level.  Since returning to New England in 2008, Sally has served on the board of the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) and been responsible for NEDA's continuing education programs.  Since taking the reins of their continuing education, Sally has organized and administrated numerous USDF “L” Program sessions, in order to educate and train future judges to fill a growing regional and national need.  Each of these programs have been heavily subscribed and very successful by not only program participants, but also by the overwhelming number of auditors attending each program to further their own dressage education.

In addition to her tireless work on organizing these programs, Sally is also preparing to start a USEF ‘r' Program soon.  All of these training programs are a complex undertaking, with numerous sessions taking place over a year or more, that include classroom activities, instructors and trainers, demo riders, meal accommodations, arrangements for practice judging at recognized shows, and testing.  Sally's can-do attitude and her dedication to dressage and dressage education embody all of the best qualities of a volunteer for our sport.

            "Sally has made a unique contribution to USDF's mission clearly for the education, but also for the volunteers that help her with each program.  She is tireless, devoted, and incredibly competent to take on anything she has an interest to organize and run," stated Lois Yukins, “L” Program Committee Chair.

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 voyaward@usdf.org.  

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 usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.