REGION 1

By: Kristine Strasburger

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the hosting team at the Big Sky Horse Park in Missoula, Montana for hosting a fantastic show weekend at the start of this month.  Friday was a B-rated WE Show, allowing one final chance for people to qualify for the Region 1 Championship held on Saturday and Sunday.  One rider did qualify for Regionals at the Friday Show.  In addition to the Championship Show, an A-Rated Show was run concurrently, allowing those who didn’t qualify for the Regional competition to continue to show on Saturday and Sunday.  I thought this was a great way to allow all competitors to get the most out of their travel expenses, and fully enjoy the weekend.  Overall, the whole long weekend was a huge success, and a great time for everyone.  The weather was superb, and allowed us all to enjoy the wide open spaces of that fantastic venue.  There was a wide variety of entertainment which drew quite a good crowd on Saturday afternoon.  New people were introduced to the sport of Working Equitation as a result of these added features.  Great job, Team!

A big thanks to the official show photographer, Vicki Correia of Montana Magic Photography, for donating these photos from the Region 1 Championship to USAWE so we could feature them here.

Here are links to the complete photo galleries for the 2021 Region 1 Championship:

Saturday Photos 
Sunday Photos

I have enjoyed serving this year as your Region 1 Director.  I will not be running for re-election, not because I want to step away from serving this organization, but because I want to open up opportunities for others to give it a try.  Serving as a Regional Director has been very rewarding, and I want others to experience it.  It is good for new perspectives to be brought to the table from time to time.  Although the nomination period will have ended before this newsletter goes out, I’m hoping that everyone who has been nominated (and I nominated quite a few people) will give it a try.  At least consider how you could help promote and further the health of the organization and run for election with your best foot forward.  Give the membership choices by being willing to give something new a try.

I am looking forward to continuing to serve in my appointment as the new Affiliate Organization Program Coordinator, and also on the other committees I currently serve on.  Thanks to everyone in Region 1 for making this a really great year!

Until next time, happy riding!

Kristine Strasburger
USAWE Region 1 Director
r1director@usawe.org
(208) 818-0400

Region 1 Reminders

Don’t forget to check out the USAWE Calendar for events near you.  New events are added all the time, so check back often.

Also, check the USAWE Affiliate Organizations page to find an AO near you.  Don’t have an Affiliate Organization near you?  Why don’t you get some friends together and form one?  We can all do something to help Working Equitation grow in the United States.  What can you do to help?  Connect with me if you need support.  That’s what I’m here for.

Kristine Strasburger
USAWE Region 1 Director
r1director@usawe.org
(208) 818-0400