President’s Letter

By: Leslie Martien

Dear USAWE Members,
This is the time of year that many of us begin to look forward to celebrating the holidays with friends and family. We decorate with beloved family treasurers and our homes fill with the smell of freshly-baked cookies and the sounds of singing and laughter. For many of us, this year may look a little different; our circle may be a little smaller and our celebrations may be quieter.

2020 has been very challenging and we have had to respond and adjust in ways most of us could never have imagined. Challenges, like the ones we’ve faced this year, tend to do two things: drive a wedge or create opportunities to build stronger bonds. The members of the Confederation for Working Equitation and WE United chose to do the later and create USA Working Equitation.

In the first two months as an organization USAWE has gained over 500 members and recorded over 2,300 horses. The number of you who have stepped up and indicated an interest and willingness to serve on a committee is just one example of the enthusiasm our members have for the sport of working equitation and desire to have USAWE succeed.

This is the first of our monthly newsletters – this month I’d like to introduce you to our Regional Directors who are the heart and soul of our organization. They will keep you up-to-date with the goings on in your area: shows, clinics, play days and other working equitation activities. New to the sport? Reach out to your Regional Director and they will help you find ways to connect with people in your region. Looking for ways to help out at shows? Your Regional Director is a great resource and working at a show is a great educational experience.

This year has given me the opportunity to meet and work with some diverse and talented individuals. I am constantly amazed by the broad knowledge and skills that these individuals bring to the organization and their willingness to share their knowledge, their talents and most of all their precious time. And I’m grateful to you, our members, without whom this organization would not exist.

How many times in recent months have you or someone you know said that 2021 has to be better than 2020? The new year is right around the corner and I think 2021 is going to be a great year for working equitation, USAWE and all its members. Together we can build a strong community and continue to grow the sport we all love.

Happy Holidays to each and every one of you.

Leslie Martien
President – USAWE