Roles of the USDF and the USEF

[2tempe]

@AnastasiaBeaverhousen

I dont know a lot of this administration stuff and I’m beginning not to want to.

Thank you both for responding.

When you read the rule book on the USDF website, it takes you to the USEF page where you can download PDF files.

It seemed to me that the USDF deferred to the USEF as the final authority.

I am getting the impression that most of the AA members are resigned about the AA situation just suck it up. Thems the rules, if you want to play the game.

There is no other game right now, but when it is suggested that the AAs form their own organization no one seems interested.

Why do you think that is?

I may be over simplifying this answer but I there are several reasons: First, for this or any other idea, someone needs to start the process - someone who strongly believes in what they want to form, who can bring others along in their thoughts, who can find good people to take on the roles (for free) and who have the knowledge to create the structure.
This lead person, if they want to be successful will need tons of actual, honest research to be sure of what has to be different or compelling in order to get people to join.

Later this group will need tons of “marketing” introduce people and get them to join.

Then you need staff and org structure to run such a venture on an ongoing basis - to develop the programs that allow you to be a non-profit, to deliver those to the members in a cost effective manner, etc.

I think most AA’s probably dont have the time or the interest in being on a start up team. They have jobs, or businesses, they have families, they want to have time to ride, they might volunteer at other things in their communities.

Its just plain hard. Its hard enough to put together a new (local) GMO and make it successful even though there is an existing process and template to follow. The concept of expanding something like a new dressage org to 50 states hurts my brain.

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

Thanks 2tempe.
It does seem to be a daunting task.
If such an organization did happen, I don’t think it iwould last very long.
Why?

I dont think its realistic to expect that the costs of showing , which seems to be the biggest problem for most AAs , will be substantially lowered.

If you want to show at a decent facility with safe convenient stabling, sufficient trailer parking, good footing, enough warmup rings, security, amenities for the spectators as well as competitors. Etc. , you are going to have to pay for it.

I’m addressing the costs of recognized shows here.

I just dont see how show management can make it cost less to show, and still it make it cost effective for themselves.

[lorilu]

@SillyHorse

What’s wrong with that?

I am on the BoD of our GMO. The response quoted is the reason I have learned to keep most ideas to myself. In the past, when I have made suggestions, it’s been expected that I’m the one to implement. Having a good (or even not so great) idea really doesn’t mean the the person who has the idea has the wherewithal to bring it to fruition.

but I suspect you would expect to be involved at least… the OP is just tossing out ideas and saying “someone else do this I’m not interested in being a member or showing or anything else - but THIS idea is the SOLUTION!!”.

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

@lorilu

but I suspect you would expect to be involved at least… the OP is just tossing out ideas and saying “someone else do this I’m not interested in being a member or showing or anything else - but THIS idea is the SOLUTION!!”.

You know, I think you would be a much happier person if you would stop critiquing people’s posts. You are not being helpful, you are just displaying a disparaging attitude that is offputting

You do indeed have more knowledge and experience than I. But there’s no need to be so dismissive and condescending and contemptuous.

You and the people like you on this board are the reason that people quit posting . They ask questions and then attacked for asking because they should know already or because you think they are beneath you.

I hope that you dont treat new members of your GMO this way.

Nothing I suggested is written in stone, nor did I think it would happen.

Better people than I have been active and tried to address certain concerns with the NGB and nothing changed.

So, no , I dont expect anything either. I was challenged to make suggestions so I did.

Now , go displace somewhere else like you promised pages ago.

[skydy]

@AnastasiaBeaverhousen

You know, I think you would be a much happier person if you would stop critiquing people’s posts. You are not being helpful, you are just displaying a disparaging attitude that is offputting

You do indeed have more knowledge and experience than I. But there’s no need to be so dismissive and condescending and contemptuous.

You and the people like you on this board are the reason that people quit posting . They ask questions and then attacked for asking because they should know already or because you think they are beneath you.

I hope that you dont treat new members of your GMO this way.

Nothing I suggested is written in stone, nor did I think it would happen.

Better people than I have been active and tried to address certain concerns with the NGB and nothing changed.

So, no , I dont expect anything either. I was challenged to make suggestions so I did.

Now , go displace somewhere else like you promised pages ago.

That was quite an overreaction to @lorilu 's post, don’t you think?

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

@skydy

That was quite an overreaction to @lorilu 's post, don’t you think?

No, and if you dont have anything constructive to say then poof! Be gone!

[2tempe]

@ AnastasiaBeaverhousen: A new idea wouldn’t last unless it was somehow MATERIALLY different than what is offered on the GMO level schooling show “circuit”. These are often but not always at a lower quality facility - limited stalls available, not great warmup areas, limited amenities, etc. The problem in many areas in the US is that there are often not ANY options to show within a reasonable travel distance, irrespective of whether or not they are schooling or recognized shows. But there also isn’t probably enough demand to do much of them either…

I agree that when you look at the US, there are many areas where options are quite limited. Where they are available are more “horsey” areas in more expensive markets.
I’m in central Florida; we have lots of show options of all types within a 90 minute haul from my horse’s location. That is NOT including Wellington, which I want no part of… But what is interesting, after several years in my GMO, is that it is very difficult to fill a moderately priced clinic. No one is interested. But if you get a big name, like a Poulin, or Ebeling, for example - the rides will fill with people who are often not even members of the GMO. The biggest hit we managed to pull off was a schooling show with a Hawaiian theme - horse and rider decorations allowed (wild shirts, funky braids or polos, etc and a costume class. I believe it is still going on though I dropped out a few years back. ( One too many times a show secretary made me want to jump out a window…the job from hell.)

On a different note, I would like to see growth in working equitation. Its basis came from the Iberian horse world, and it is a combination of dressage tests and obstacle classes. There are levels, just like dressage, and at the top levels it is amazing. Here is a link for entertainment; one of the top riders in the world doing the speed class. the training is amazing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ8d9ByD5L4
This looks like so much fun!! (lower levels are slower, less collection, easier courses I think.)

[skydy]

@2tempe

@ AnastasiaBeaverhousen: A new idea wouldn’t last unless it was somehow MATERIALLY different than what is offered on the GMO level schooling show “circuit”. These are often but not always at a lower quality facility - limited stalls available, not great warmup areas, limited amenities, etc. The problem in many areas in the US is that there are often not ANY options to show within a reasonable travel distance, irrespective of whether or not they are schooling or recognized shows. But there also isn’t probably enough demand to do much of them either…

)

Footing is a huge issue in some areas that aren’t “dressage y” . It is expensive and what is good for one discipline is not acceptable for another, so a facility that could be used for dressage shows can’t, because people won’t enter due to the footing. The people I know from Colorado IRL (that frequent the COTH forum) have very limited options.

[2tempe]

@skydy

Footing is a huge issue in some areas that aren’t “dressage y” . It is expensive and what is good for one discipline is not acceptable for another, so a facility that could be used for dressage shows can’t, because people won’t enter due to the footing. The people I know from Colorado IRL (that frequent the COTH forum) have very limited options.

good point, and quite true!

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

Thanks 2Tempe. I have seen a couple of those. Looks like fun which is not usually a word associated with dressage.

Our GMO does occasionally managed to snag BNT s for clinics but I wouldnt want to attend

1. Such a clinic would be wasted on me.
2. One clinic I would have liked to audit was $50,00 just for a chair. No lunch. Um, no.
3. Even if I had the money and was inclined to ride, all the slots are usually snapped up before anyone else hears about them.

Thanks for your post. I want to hear all the different experiences and perspectives.

[Dutchmare433]

@AnastasiaBeaverhousen

Thanks 2Tempe. I have seen a couple of those. Looks like fun which is not usually a word associated with dressage.

Our GMO does occasionally managed to snag BNT s for clinics but I wouldnt want to attend

1. Such a clinic would be wasted on me.
2. One clinic I would have liked to audit was $50,00 just for a chair. No lunch. Um, no.
3. Even if I had the money and was inclined to ride, all the slots are usually snapped up before anyone else hears about them.

Thanks for your post. I want to hear all the different experiences and perspectives.

If you don’t even think dressage is fun and you seem to have complaints across multiple threads with aspects of competition, GMOs, judges, and riders, why are you riding dressage in the first place? All the negativity is off-putting.

[lorilu]

me? Disparaging posts? Better take that plank out of your own eye.

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

@Dutchmare433

If you don’t even think dressage is fun and you seem to have complaints across multiple threads with aspects of competition, GMOs, judges, and riders, why are you riding dressage in the first place? All the negativity is off-putting.

That is your interpretation and you are certainly entitled to it.

It is not “my” negativity.
If you have something constructive to say, then please do. If not, you dont need to say anything further.

Although, commenting negatively on someone’s negativity is amusing in it’s own way.

[skydy]

Yes, everyone is entitled to their interpretations and their opinions. This is a discussion forum. We can argue and we can discuss but we don’t presume to tell other members not to post when they have a different view.

[Janet]

@AnastasiaBeaverhousen

No, and if you dont have anything constructive to say then poof! Be gone!

I hate to say it, but YOU are the one who does not have anything constructive to say in this thread.

[lorilu]

@AnastasiaBeaverhousen

Thanks 2Tempe. I have seen a couple of those. Looks like fun which is not usually a word associated with dressage.

Our GMO does occasionally managed to snag BNT s for clinics but I wouldnt want to attend

1. Such a clinic would be wasted on me.
2. One clinic I would have liked to audit was $50,00 just for a chair. No lunch. Um, no.
3. Even if I had the money and was inclined to ride, all the slots are usually snapped up before anyone else hears about them.

Thanks for your post. I want to hear all the different experiences and perspectives.

Why don’t you work with your GMO to manage a lower level clinic that wouldn’t be “wasted on” you? I am sure there are other members who would appreciate that. And in my experience, those who volunteer get to schedule what they want to do, including having a clinic filled just through word of mouth (altho that is not the best way for a GMO to keep their diverse members happy and I would not suggest it at all!) - so, managing a clinic is pretty easy.

[merrygoround]

@AnastasiaBeaverhousen

Thanks 2Tempe. I have seen a couple of those. Looks like fun which is not usually a word associated with dressage.

Our GMO does occasionally managed to snag BNT s for clinics but I wouldnt want to attend

1. Such a clinic would be wasted on me.
2. One clinic I would have liked to audit was $50,00 just for a chair. No lunch. Um, no.
3. Even if I had the money and was inclined to ride, all the slots are usually snapped up before anyone else hears about them.

Thanks for your post. I want to hear all the different experiences and perspectives.

Awww! :sadsmile:

[alibi_18]

What an interesting read.

[Bogey2]

Dressage in my area is up and down constantly. I have been on the board of two of the GMO’s, one small one large. I CAN tell you that getting volunteers is really much harder than it was back when most of the women did not have jobs that ran the organizations. I had a job but volunteered a lot because I was just getting into dressage…this was a little over 20 years ago. Now you have to pay people to do the things these women often did for free to run the recognized shows. The schooling shows had to start requiring people put in volunteer hours to get a year end award.
The schooling shows had to start getting creative to fill shows, add western dressage, lead line etc.

So my point is that I don’t think starting another organization would be feasible…no one wants to do the volunteer work anymore…the average age of the people on the boards is up there! Hard to get the younger crowd involved.
As for the whole AA thing I don’t see why they are considering separating older/younger competitors in a competition, that seems a little strange to me.
Anyway, I compete open but get beat out by the great AA’s all the time…not to mention the BNT’s! For some reason it doesn’t bother me.

[2tempe]

INTERESTING STATS from USEF: In the most recent magazine, membership details:
For 2019, 187,000 total members, 100,000 “fan members”. New members in 2019 = 45,387.
Members competing for the first time in 2019 = 14,062
81,000 horses competed in 2300 shows.

President says membership has “skyrocketed” in the last three years.

This, IMO indicates that in spite of some of the threads, not only in dressage section, but also in H/J and Eventing, that USEF and,therefore underlying disciplines are seeing increased interest. Unfortunately couldn’t easily find similar info for USDF.