Monday June 27, 2005

United States Dressage Federation Celebrates Groundbreaking

Photos copyrighted: Jennifer Munson

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the USDF National Education Center on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at the Kentucky Horse Park. The organization's president, Dr. Samuel Barish stated, "I believe that this is the most significant event in the history of USDF. We are looking forward to being included on a daily basis in an equestrian community environment where we can work effectively on behalf of dressage and our members.”

The USDF National Education Center will be the next door neighbor of the United States Equestrian Federation and within sight of the U.S. Pony Clubs, the American Hanoverian Society and many other equestrian organizations.

John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, in referring to the Horse Park’s bid to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games, asked those in attendance to imagine they were in the year 2010. "We are hearing a thunderous ovation and seeing the flag of the United States of America elevated to the highest position. We are listening to our national anthem because the United States has just won a gold medal in dressage. They have done it literally in the very shadow of [the USDF’s] national headquarters."

"This is a very special moment for USDF," said Charles Smith, USDF National Capital Campaign Chair, “and I want to thank those that have worked with the campaign both in contributing money, time and energy." Those contributions currently total over two million dollars, but Mr. Smith cautioned the audience that the campaign has a long way to go to reach the five million dollar goal. “We would like to be completed with this campaign by the time we have the ribbon-cutting ceremony.”

Kentucky Commerce Secretary Jim Host recalled how the original plan for the Park included making it the “business center of equestrian sport and a gathering place for all related horse associations.”