Lexington, KY (November 12, 2010) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Naomi Martin of Brooks, OR, has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery and sponsored by the USDF Youth Programs Advisory Subcommittee. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to USDF and dressage.

As the recipient of this award, Naomi’s name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy, housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. This trophy was donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray. Naomi will also receive a $500 scholarship provided from funds raised through the Youth Silent Auction, held annually at the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, and a $250 gift certificate donated by The Paddock Saddlery.

At only sixteen years of age, Naomi has selflessly volunteered nearly 100 hours to USDF-recognized competitions including, Dressage at DevonWood and Spring Into Dressage, the Region 6 Youth Team Competition as well as the Oregon High School Dressage Program. Naomi has assisted show management in every aspect from setting up arenas to show office work. She even took two young dressage riders under her wing with their “naughty little pony” and successfully coached them through their tests. Naomi was nominated for the Youth Volunteer of the Year award by Gaye McCabe of Region 6.

“Naomi is a wonderful young lady. I don’t know if I have ever seen her without a smile and she always comes with a positive attitude. She is truly instrumental in making our shows run successfully and smoothly,” stated McCabe.

For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award or the USDF Youth Silent Auction, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at [email protected].

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, e-mail [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.