The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce a new educational opportunity, made possible with funding support from The Dressage Foundation. The Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF ‘L’ Graduates, developed by the USDF Judges Committee, has been designed to meet the growing need for continuing education. The goal of this program is to provide for, and continually improve, the training of individuals currently licensed as judges and those aspiring to become licensed.

This new program, implemented on a regional level, is designed to offer several different potential formats, from a classroom structure to a competition or clinic setting. The range of topics, such as musical freestyle, quadrille and dressage seat equitation, is intended to assist judges and ‘L’ graduates in staying current on the latest rule and test changes and other related topics. In offering several program formats and topics, each region will be able to tailor the program to meet their individual continuing education needs. This program will also allow auditors the unique opportunity to gain insight into the judge’s box as well as help improve their competitive edge.

Regional grants are available through USDF for this program, which is funded by the Edgar Hotz Judges Endowment Fund, through The Dressage Foundation. The Dressage Foundation's mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage. There are grant requirements that must be met in order to be eligible to receive the regional grant.

Dr. Edgar Hotz was a prominent dressage judge and a highly regarded instructor for aspiring judges. Dr. Hotz, who died in October 2001 at the age of 60, had an illustrious judging career which spanned over 30 years. During this time, Dr. Hotz conducted many seminars and educational activities, such as the Judges Viewpoint Seminar and National AHSA Judges Forums. He also served on numerous committees, including the AHSA Dressage Committee, USET Dressage Committee, USDF Judges Council and German Judges Association.

If you are interested in learning about this new program, as an organizer, instructor or participant, or are interested in applying for a Continuing Education Grant, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org or contact Kim Sodt at [email protected] or (859) 271-7876. ~~~