By the time you get this, the ODS Championship Show may be under way, and I am sure the shows will be wonderful as usual. I want to thank everyone who helps to make this show possible. Jennifer Milburn has managed the show for 11 years and does a wonderful job. Before the first horse entered the competition arena this year, we have already starting planning for next year.
Next month is the ODS League Finals, the Championship Show for the League Show Competition year. This year the League Finals are at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, if you have some time please come out to help out; sponsor a class or two as well as root for your friends as they finish up their show year. Mid Valley Chapter has for the second year taken this show under their wing to help make it successful, but they alone can’t guarantee this, we need you, too.
The two championship shows are major financial contributors to the ODS budget and their financial success help keep your board from having to make a difficult decision to raise the dues.
As the show year winds down the ODS elections will be taking place and we are hopeful for new board members to be stepping up to help out our dressage community. As I look back over the years (don’t make me think about how many) the most enjoyable thing about being involved and active with the board and other activities are the many friends I have had the privilege to get to know. Really, isn’t this the real purpose of belonging to an organization? If you aren’t involved, even at the chapter level you are missing out on a big part of this horse community. Become involved, we are all busy, but I guarantee it you will reap rewards more than you can imagine. It is always gratifying to put out a call for help and see how everyone will rally together and support the cause. I’m calling for help now, talk to your board members and ask what it is needed and I’m sure we can use you. Remember, may hands make light work.
Until next month, I’m always just a phone call or an email away,
Gaye McCabe
President, Oregon Dressage Society
(503) 378-0309
Office Notes:
Renew your ODS Membership by 10/31: Please support ODS and renew your membership prior to the expiration date. All 2016 ODS memberships will expire on 10/31. Your membership must be RECEIVED by 10/31 in order to be in the list for the ODS publications and you will want a new Testbook! To renew, please mail in the form found in Flying Changes with a check to our office, or respond by clicking on the link which will be sent to you later this month. Please call the ODS Office if you need assistance with your renewal at 503-681-2337.
Insurance for Chapter and Committee Activities: Every event that involves horses hosted by your chapter or committee must have an insurance application submitted. Reminder that we are submitting our insurance applications to our agent only once a month, on the second Tuesday; if we submit more than once a month, we are subject to additional processing fees. Do not use applications saved in your computer as older versions are now obsolete. Please review our website insurance page as it contains forms in regards to insurance including a general ODS waiver, a volunteer waiver, an accident form, information on liability insurance required by vendors and more.
2017 Show Approvals: The 2017 Show Approvals are being published as soon as the office is processing them. Show managers – please get your shows turned in ASAP because our members want your information to put into their calendars! Please contact the Office for the correct forms and to have any questions answered.
ODS Chapter Elections: Chapters shall notify members of their intent to hold elections at least two weeks prior to the election date. Chapter officers shall be at least 18 years of age and be ODS members in good standing at the time of election and maintain membership through the term of office. Chapter officers shall be elected and take office prior to November 1 each year. A list of Chapter officers containing Office, name, and e-mail address shall be submitted to the ODS Office by November 15 of each year. Submission may be by the ODS Chapter Officer Report Form (see Section IV Appendices of the ODS Policies and Procedures Manual) or by e-mail providing the same information required by the form. Contact the ODS President, Region Representative or Office if you have any questions.
Winnie Heiney-Duncan Scholarship Fund: Developed to honor and support long time and well respected ODS member Winnie-Heiney-Duncan, this scholarship seeks to further develop the education of Jr/YR’s within the Society. This scholarship strives to promote and encourage values that Winnie personifies, such as kindness, commitment, character, dedication, ethics, quality treatment of horses, education of humans and equines, and fairness. One scholarship per Membership year in the amount of $100 to a qualified Jr/YR may be awarded. Scholarship funds may be applied to various equine related educational opportunities such as clinics, symposiums, lessons, competitions, and/or travel. Multiple person awards may be considered in situations of Jr/YR team competition applications. Verify criteria on the ODS website or in the ODS Roster. Applications must be submitted to the ODS Office at least 14 days prior to any ODS Board meeting. Each application will be evaluated without regard to prior award. Scholarships will be awarded on the merit of the proposal.
Fort Vancouver Chapter
Craft Night
We had a great time!
The venue was perfect and so was the evening. Thank you Sheila for hosting our event at Village Vineyard.
We had six chapter members and three non-chapter members attend. Two of the non-chapter members came all the way from the south side of Portland!
The ladies had fun mixing and matching their beads, all the bracelets were master pieces when done, truly a one of a kind.
UMPQUA VALLEY CHAPTER REPORT FOR THE FLYING CHANGES
The Umpqua Valley chapter hopes everyone had a wonderful summer and great rides. As a chapter we started off the summer with our annual June practice show. We would like to thank Poco Loco for once again hosting this event; the Challengers 4-H group for helping out and running the concession stand; and all of our sponsors and patrons for making this event a success.
One of the highlights of the show was a Century Ride made by UV member, Sue Hall, age 70 on April’s Cricket, age 30. Lori Maxwell riding Noah, won the Chapter High Percent Award, in memory of Chip Davis, Sheri Landers, and Larry Brown, for the second consecutive year.
Member Cynthia Sanders made had an awesome PSG debut on her mare, Cymphony, at the Beaujolais and Chabli dressage show where she finally got to wear “the coat.”
There was no meeting in July but things pick up again in August as the year winds down to an end.