USDF - Love it or Hate it

[J-Lu]

Thank you for discussing the founding and history of the USDF. Dressage in America certainly benefited from the organized riders/trainers in the 1970s and 80s. I posit that dressage is a very different sport these days.

I would love to attend a USDF convention. I posit that the people who attend are people who can afford the airfare, hotel and registration fees…and that is not the average USDF member. You illustrate my frustration with the USDF - those of us who can’t attend the convention, those of us who can’t attend Dressage Committee meetings (the ones that are open), those of us who have contacted the Dressage Committee but didn’t seem to be taken seriously…we don’t seem to have much of a voice.

[snowrider]

I am very thankful for the learner judge program and the rated judge system. I feel that dressage judging is hands down more transparent and fair than in any other discipline.

[MysticOakRanch]

[QUOTE=J-Lu;8550807]

I would love to attend a USDF convention. I posit that the people who attend are people who can afford the airfare, hotel and registration fees…and that is not the average USDF member. You illustrate my frustration with the USDF - those of us who can’t attend the convention, those of us who can’t attend Dressage Committee meetings (the ones that are open), those of us who have contacted the Dressage Committee but didn’t seem to be taken seriously…we don’t seem to have much of a voice.[/QUOTE]

You are correct - it was on the West Coast this past year, so I looked into going. I could get an airfare/hotel package (if I went with a friend and we shared a room), but with that package plus registration for the convention (it isn’t free), it was going to be about $800 each - plus food. Needless to say, I didn’t go. Kind of bummed, because it doesn’t come out west often, but I just couldn’t justify that kind of expense for a weekend of the “inside scoop”. And there were some important issues discussed - I would have liked to participate!

[Manni01]

[QUOTE=lorilu;8549320]
The only thing USDF takes from local GMOs is the $20 membership fee… if the GMO holds a University session, there is a $35 fee… but I cannot think of anything else USDF takes from the GMOs…
That said, do I feel the GMOs should have more monetary support from USDF? Yes. IMO, USDF members should be required to be members of a GMO. That would not only bring in more money to the GMOs, but also more ideas, more people! Right now, in my area, many upper level riders do not belong to the GMO because they feel they can get nothing of value from us - that we cater to the lower levels. (which is not true, but it is true that most of our members ride below 2nd level.)[/QUOTE]

Great post, I just got home from a Clinic with Janet Foy which was hosted by our GMO. Yes most of our riders are below 2nd level as well but our GMO is very active and provides a lot of possibilites to the members (and other people as well) I am more in favor of the GMO thing right now than in the USDF… I especially do not unterstand why you have to be a member of USDF if you want to qualify for regionals. That means you have to be a double member of USDF Doesnt really make sense to me… I would be very happy to just be a member of my GMO which supports me. So far USDF hasnt really supported me. They only take my money…

[pluvinel]

[QUOTE=Manni01;8551658]
… I am more in favor of the GMO thing right now than in the USDF… I especially do not unterstand why you have to be a member of USDF if you want to qualify for regionals. That means you have to be a double member of USDF Doesnt really make sense to me… I would be very happy to just be a member of my GMO which supports me. So far USDF hasnt really supported me. They only take my money…[/QUOTE]

Just wanted to second this post 1000%

[ToN_Farm]

I don’t show anymore, but I continue to belong to the USDF each year, but not the USEF. I feel that the Connections Magazine and the information I can get off the USDF site is worth the membership fee.

I haven’t belonged to my GMO for years. I find it provides zero value. It’s a big clique.

[Velvet]

[QUOTE=lorilu;8549320]
The only thing USDF takes from local GMOs is the $20 membership fee… if the GMO holds a University session, there is a $35 fee… but I cannot think of anything else USDF takes from the GMOs…
That said, do I feel the GMOs should have more monetary support from USDF? Yes. IMO, USDF members should be required to be members of a GMO. That would not only bring in more money to the GMOs, but also more ideas, more people! Right now, in my area, many upper level riders do not belong to the GMO because they feel they can get nothing of value from us - that we cater to the lower levels. (which is not true, but it is true that most of our members ride below 2nd level.)[/QUOTE]
You are missing the point. The point is that the GMO is collecting fees on top of what they require of their members simply to run their own local programs. In areas with fewer riders with less funds, this stops many from joining. This is a pitiful way for the USDF to behave. They are leaches for the small and medium sized GMOs. They force them to ask for larger membership fees and drive people away. Maybe this is the intent and they want a more elitist organization.

[Velvet]

Flynrider, there were some assumptions made in your reply that just emphasize why so many are so annoyed. You assume we are only unhappy because we have either never participated behind the scenes with the USDF, or that we are to simple to understand that the USDF is 100% beneficial to dressage (not to mention ignorant of its history).

Some me out here are unhappy and have a long history with the USDF. Just saying…

[Velvet]

I don’t want to throw out some things the USDF created in the early days, but it needs to get out of the pockets of those who want to ride and compete in dressage. It needs to stop pretending it is bettering the sport. What things has it accomplished that has improved our prospects at the international level? The riders at the top have made it their on their own and with the help of the USEF.

[Manni01]

Another aspect… Not sure if it is possible, but I have no idea why USDF is not able to keep down the costs for showing. In Germany showing is so much less expensive. And schooling shows are affordable, why are USDF shows so horrendous expensive. And the costs are going up We had some discussions about showing this weekend and I got the feeling that people reduce showing in recognized shows because of costs.

[TwoRoads]

[QUOTE=Manni01;8552203]
Another aspect… Not sure if it is possible, but I have no idea why USDF is not able to keep down the costs for showing. In Germany showing is so much less expensive. And schooling shows are affordable, why are USDF shows so horrendous expensive. And the costs are going up We had some discussions about showing this weekend and I got the feeling that people reduce showing in recognized shows because of costs.[/QUOTE]

I bet airfare and hotel costs for judges are a top reason why showing in the US is so much more expensive. Most judges can’t just drive an hour or two to get to where the show is.

And my understanding on the GMO membership is that USDF gets way less per member than their other memberships, I think someone said $20? So if I think about the fact that I get a magazine, and then access to some online videos for $1.66 a month, or about $3 a month with an education membership(granted magazine is only online with this one), it seems like a way lower cost than some of my other magazine subscriptions or even Netflix and totally worth it.

For me to pay for one 45 minute lesson with my trainer it is many times this rate. So if I look at what I get for my money in the online stuff it is a really good bargain, I have spent probably 20 or 30 hours last year reading and watching. It might not all apply to me, but I think it helps when I do spend money on lessons.

I used to hate the up front cost, but comparing it to my other subscriptions I pay for every month I feel pretty happy.

[Manni01]

[QUOTE=TwoRoads;8552363]
I bet airfare and hotel costs for judges are a top reason why showing in the US is so much more expensive. Most judges can’t just drive an hour or two to get to where the show is.

And my understanding on the GMO membership is that USDF gets way less per member than their other memberships, I think someone said $20? So if I think about the fact that I get a magazine, and then access to some online videos for $1.66 a month, or about $3 a month with an education membership(granted magazine is only online with this one), it seems like a way lower cost than some of my other magazine subscriptions or even Netflix and totally worth it.

For me to pay for one 45 minute lesson with my trainer it is many times this rate. So if I look at what I get for my money in the online stuff it is a really good bargain, I have spent probably 20 or 30 hours last year reading and watching. It might not all apply to me, but I think it helps when I do spend money on lessons.

I used to hate the up front cost, but comparing it to my other subscriptions I pay for every month I feel pretty happy.[/QUOTE]

Well the fee which the GMOs pay to USDF is worthless IMO (its only nice pocketmoney for USDF). It does certainly not benefit the member. If I want to show in rated shows and support my GMO (which I do) I pay the membership for my GMO, THEN I also pay individual USDF membership PLUS USEF membership A lot of memberships, but if I dont have them, I cannot really do anything. Anytime you want to participate in anything qualifying you have to have 3 memberships

[TwoRoads]

[QUOTE=Manni01;8552373]
Well the fee which the GMOs pay to USDF is worthless IMO (its only nice pocketmoney for USDF). It does certainly not benefit the member. If I want to show in rated shows and support my GMO (which I do) I pay the membership for my GMO, THEN I also pay individual USDF membership PLUS USEF membership A lot of memberships, but if I dont have them, I cannot really do anything. Anytime you want to participate in anything qualifying you have to have 3 memberships :([/QUOTE]

Well worthless if you want to go to regionals yes. But if you don’t care about qualifying that fee gets you a magazine and their online stuff and you can show at most any show other than regionals, which you can still show in the open classes there too. I was never good enough to try for year end awards either, so GMO membership and then USEF got me everything I ever needed when I wasn’t trying to go to regionals.

The amount of money I’ve dumped into training and show fees to get to regionals is probably 10x what those memberships cost. it all adds up for sure. But I could easily spend a few thousand just trying to get to regionals, which is why I don’t do those anymore.

[Manni01]

[QUOTE=TwoRoads;8552400]
Well worthless if you want to go to regionals yes. But if you don’t care about qualifying that fee gets you a magazine and their online stuff and you can show at most any show other than regionals, which you can still show in the open classes there too. I was never good enough to try for year end awards either, so GMO membership and then USEF got me everything I ever needed when I wasn’t trying to go to regionals.

The amount of money I’ve dumped into training and show fees to get to regionals is probably 10x what those memberships cost. it all adds up for sure. But I could easily spend a few thousand just trying to get to regionals, which is why I don’t do those anymore.[/QUOTE]

I see your point, so it is ok for people who just want to show once in a while. Yes you are right about that. But then I think there are only 2 ways to go. People who dont have higher ambitions dont join USDF but their local GMO with the groupmembership for USDF and people with higher ambitions dont join the local GMO I think that cannot be the right intention of the concept to split up non rated shows and rated shows… I think the contact is something necessary for the whole system. But it seems I am stupid because I pay twice

[MysticOakRanch]

I am not defending all the fees… But the $20 you pay to your GMO for USDF allows you to show. It just doesn’t qualify you for Regional Championships, All Breeds, and HOTY standings. But you can show at USDF shows, receive the USDF newsletter, and access USDF events and educational material.

[DownYonder]

[QUOTE=MysticOakRanch;8552451]
I am not defending all the fees… But the $20 you pay to your GMO for USDF allows you to show. It just doesn’t qualify you for Regional Championships, All Breeds, and HOTY standings. But you can show at USDF shows, receive the USDF newsletter, and access USDF events and educational material.[/QUOTE]

Yes - and the reason USDF requires a Participating Membership for Regional Championships, US Dressage Finals, and award programs such as All Breed Awards, Horse of the Year, etc., is because those programs are expensive for USDF to organize, host, manage, maintain. They require additional human resources, additional office space, additional / upgraded technology, additional travel costs, etc. If you don’t want to participate in those programs, you don’t have to get a Participating Membership.

[DownYonder]

And really - the fee for a PM is $75/year. That is a drop in the bucket compared to what horses cost in general. Many folks pay that much for one 45 minute lesson with their local trainer.

[DownYonder]

My reasons for liking USDF are somewhat selfish, I guess. I manage the national awards program for a very large warmblood registry. Of all the “discipline” oriented affiliates of USEF, only USDF makes it relatively easy to track breed awards by registry (via their All Breed Awards program, the registry declaration feature, registry awards at US Dressage Finals, etc.). By contrast, it is a difficult and tedious process - a PIA, to be frank - to try to collect/track results by registry for eventing, hunters, and jumping.:no:

[Mardi]

The topic of this thread comes at an interesting time. Until now I didn’t think I had a place to voice my experience.

Prior to the Las Vegas convention, my business was asked by USDF to be one of many sponsors for a convention event. I was told, in writing, what I would receive as a sponsor (program listing, social media and USDF website listing). So I supported the event. They thanked me and all was well.

After the convention (which I didn’t attend), I looked for the social media and website listings so I could print it for the business’ advertising records, but couldn’t find it anywhere. I emailed my contact at USDF and asked where I could find it. The reply was only that they could send me the convention program “if some were still around.” Ok, thank you. And what about the promised social media/USDF website listings ? No response.

So here’s my response to them: Never again.

[Manni01]

[QUOTE=DownYonder;8552567]
And really - the fee for a PM is $75/year. That is a drop in the bucket compared to what horses cost in general. Many folks pay that much for one 45 minute lesson with their local trainer.[/QUOTE]
Well After I paid for 3 memberships i still Need to Pay 10 extra Bucks for the Qualifying thing at Shows per Class. You end up with all the fees at about 300 Dollar per horse per Day additionally. Maybe Thats cheap for you but not sure how many People can afford 1200 Dollar if they want to take 2 Horses for a 2 day show… Not sure if all these beautiful programs make sense if they eliminate most of the potential riders…