What’s New?
Decisions by Email February 23
- Appoint Jody Fontanetta (R7) as member of the Elections Committee, effective immediately.
- Appoint Lidia Taylor (R5) as member of the Horse Recording Committee, effective immediately.
- Require a copy of breed registration papers accompany horse recording requests if equine isn’t listed as ‘Grade’.
- Approve the initial Affiliate Organizations Handbook dated February 23, 2023, and authorize the Affiliate Organization Program Coordinator to continue to update it as the AO program develops.
- Approve the USAWE Affiliate Organization distinctive logo.
- Authorize the creation and dissemination of a USAWE Members and Affiliate Organizations Survey via MailChimp.
- Approve the development of new website content to announce and display partnerships, alliances and affiliations with equine breed registries and equestrian groups.
- Approve the $5,000 Website Committee annual budget.
- Hire Becky Alexander (or 990 Specialist designee), from the Taylor Roth and Company in Denver CO, to file the organization’s annual non-profit 990 tax returns.
- Add a brief paragraph, photo and website link to the World Association of Working Equitation on the usawe.org website.
Decisions by Email February 28
- Appoint Phyllis Laderman (R2) as member of the Financial Oversight Committee, effective immediately.
Decisions by Email March 7
- Appoint Jeanne Bond (R6), chair of the Competitions Committee, effective 3/1/2023.
- Appoint Mary Duffy (R2), member of Competitions Committee, effective immediately.
March 8 Board of Directors Meeting
- Authorize the President to move forward with Dressage Illustrated designing and selling the USA Working Equitation 2023 Dressage tests, pending legal review of the licensing agreement contract.
- Appoint Emily Elias (R1), member of Competitions committee, effective immediately.
- The Board of Directors shall approve all significant changes to the USAWE website prior to the changes becoming “live and viewable” to the public. Significant changes are those changes which would alter the look and feel of the website or add content of a new nature. Changes which are not in those categories, page updates, or merely enhance end-user experience do not need Board approval.
- Authorize the Executive Committee to purchase budget approved items and pay for reimburse shipping costs for each of the organization’s committees via the Expenditure Reimbursable Expense Form approval process.
- Approve Version 6.1 USA Rules for Working Equitation published March 1, 2023 with the understanding all rules and revisions must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors prior to public announcement, website and social media posting.
- Authorize Treasurer Erin O’Shaughnessy full account access with secondary approval to move USAWE funds between accounts.
March 8 Executive Committee Meeting (Full Board of Directors)
- Appoint Katie Franklin to fill the remaining term as Region Director 2 through November 30, 2023.
By: Kris Blacklock, USA WE Secretary
Let’s Get Acquainted!
At Large Director 2 – Stephanie Hayes
Stephanie Hayes has been a professional in the horse industry all of her adult life as a rider, trainer and competitor in multiple disciplines. In 2017 she attended her first WE clinic and was inspired to incorporate the training benefits into her programs. Since then she has become passionate about the sport, furthering her education and involvement at every opportunity.
Stephanie conducts WE clinics throughout the U.S., is President and co-founder of New England Working Equitation, Inc., is a USAWE Recognized Coach, USAWE “L” judge, and serves on the USAWE Executive Committee as Director At Large 2. She has won National honors in the Top 5 and Regional Championships on multiple horses at Level 1 through 4. Stephanie lives with her husband Tim Hayes at their farm, The Center for America’s First Horse in Johnson, Vermont where she trains and promotes rare Spanish Barbs.
Region 2 Director – Katie Franklin
On March 8, 2023, Katie Franklin (AZ) was appointed to fill the Region 2 Director position (formerly held by Robin Bond who was appointed At Large Director 1 on February 16). As Region Director 2, Katie’s term will run through November 30, 2023. Katie has been competing in Working Equitation for two years and recently completed her first Western Zone championship show at L1 Introductory performance level. I consider myself an enthusiastic amateur, who enjoys trying new challenges with my horse. Before learning about Working Equitation, I primarily did trail riding, I completed the Arizona trail horseback (800 miles) in 2017. I have participated in gymkhana, mounted shooting, barrel racing and cross-country events; although these equine events are exciting in their own ways, I found myself seeking more balance, accountability and discipline with my equine partner which led me to working equitation! This sport has forever changed my partnership with my horse. I am hoping to encourage fellow riders to continue their participation in the sport and reach out to the public to encourage new members to get connected to local coaches and their communities. This year’s goals include obtaining my technical delegate license, working at our schooling and licensed shows in addition to competing in the Western Zone Championship show in Montana. Feel free to contact me at r2director@usawe.org
Region 6 Director – Karen Miller
Karen Miller lives just outside of Frederick Maryland where she owns Whiskey Ridge Farm, a woman owned and operated 55 acre 12 stall private boarding facility. She’s a wife, mother and grandmother, with 3 beautiful daughters, 3 very tolerant son in laws and 6 fantastic grandchildren. Karen grew up in Texas riding western as a child with no formal lessons…it was get on, stay on and figure it out. As with many of us, horses took a backseat to raising a family and surviving adulthood. At the age of 40 horses came back into her life, and at 50 she started Fox Hunting. For the last 15 years that has been my “sport” of choice. She also served as President of the Hunt Club BOD for 6 years.
“My journey in WE began about 3 years ago, when a friend introduced me to it and honestly, I wasn’t sure WE was stimulating enough for me…that was of course before I knew just how hard it is to do things in the correct way. The sport has been a huge learning experience for both myself and my horse and it has enriched our relationship tremendously in the process. 2023 will be my first year serving on the USAWE Board and I am excited and proud to roll up my sleeves and be a part of such a supportive and well-rounded discipline. My goal is to promote the sport of Working Equitation by being a positive and compassionate Ambassador of Working Equitation and to help introduce the sport to new people. Nurturing and feeding that curiosity is the base for our growth in this country. I call that planting seeds and watering your garden.
As your Region 6 Director I also serve as a voice for our members. I will strive to make events and information easily accessible and represent Region 6 in USAWE BOD meetings. I am here for each and every one of you. Please reach out to me at r6director@usawe.org with any questions, concerns, ideas you may have, or just to introduce yourself. I may not have the answer but the best part of the WE community is that as a team, I will be able to find the answer for you. I am looking forward to what’s to come, WE has a bright future and the time is ripe to grow! Kick on, and keep the hooved side down!”
Corporate Meetings
The Board of Directors (BOD) meeting is scheduled the 2nd Wednesday of each month. All USAWE Members in good standing are welcome to attend as a silent participant.
Next meeting is scheduled Wednesday April 12, 2023 5:00-6:30 pm Pacific time and will take place virtually via Zoom.
Please contact Secretary Kris Blacklock (Secretary@usawe.org) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting if you would like the Zoom meeting room access information. Requests for access arriving less than 24 hours prior to the meeting are not guaranteed a response.
BOD agendas and meeting minutes are posted to USAWE.org > Corporate > Records > Meeting Minutes >
A Log of Motions Passed is posted to USAWE.org > Corporate > Records
