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Although the weather we had during the days just before the CDS Annual Meeting was challenging enough to keep several people from attending, the sun was shining on those us who were able to make it to San Jose on Saturday. You couldn’t help but notice first thing all the chapter baskets for the silent auction lining the meeting room. It was wonderful to see how each of the represented chapters had found a way to put together fun, fabulous baskets that not only were filled with goodies you couldn’t help but want to bid on, but also how each basket represented the chapter’s geographic location in our state.
The members of the Board did an excellent job keeping us all engaged in what could have easily turned into a simple recitation of rules, regulations and changes not only by sharing their passion for all that goes on in our sport but also by occasionally raffling off fun little prizes and keeping the meeting running according to the rather tight schedule. They quickly got us through a detailed update of the major topics at the annual USDF meeting, engaged in a discussion of the relationships between the USEF, the USDF and CDS and the proposed rule changes coming in 2009, briefed us on the current ‘hot’ issues for CDS, such as insurance and the importance of obtaining waivers from everyone involved in any chapter function not just those who are riding. There was also a brief presentation by the Monterey Horse Park, a not-for-profit trying to raise the funds to build our very own version of the Kentucky Horse Park here in Northern California. The representatives from the Horse Park shared how far they have come, showed us the current draft design of the space that is authorized for the Horse Park and the timeline they have to raise the necessary funds in order to move on to the next stage of development. In short it was a morning packed full of information while allowing us the opportunity to put faces to all the names of the Board members.
Another highlight was the chance to hear from all the attending chapters on what they considered to be the best part of their 2007 activities and what they were most looking forward to in 2008. It was enlightening to learn how many different ways there are to hold successful fund-raising activities. In a slight change from the usual, each chapter representative also shared a bit about their personal history with dressage. It was encouraging to hear that so many of us face the same challenges and contrary to what I sometimes think, not everyone involved with CDS is riding at the Grand Prix level on a horse that get’s 10s on all its gaits! Lunch further allowed us all to get to know each other better and to mingle one on one with the CDS Board members.
After lunch we had a hands on demonstration of the new software…. Michele Scott, our show secretary attended the demo.
Peggy McGaw, Foothills Chapter Treasurer
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