A Well Run Event for USDF Region Three

Entries for the ABIC/USDF region Three Championships and The Atlanta Dressage Southern Fall Show were filled and there was a waiting list. Organizer Liz Faso says she anticipates that the entries will only grow every year, as the sport of dressage grows in leaps and bounds. "The final count on horses that competed were 216 and a total of all class rides was 505," she said. "Seven judges worked from 8 to 6 on Saturday and 8 to 4:30 on Sunday."

Faso said, "We had 55 volunteers that have done our shows in the past. Some stayed two days, such as scribes and ring stewards; we had six scorers, four of which are professional accountants. I guess what I am trying to say here, as volunteer coordinator and show organizer, is that the show was successful only because of great volunteers. You are only as good as those who do the work. They come for our two shows and have a blast."

Volunteer Natalie Norton said, "Despite the weather, I had a great time volunteering yet again! I also had the great pleasure of being a runner for the hero of my youth, Kay Meredith. The Faso's all make us feel very important even though our contribution is small. I can't wait to go back again next year."

Competitors agreed that the event was well run. The biggest complaint, aside from several people mentioning that the awards ceremony was too small, was that footing was dusty on Saturday. Horses, riders and spectators were enveloped in clouds of dust and it was difficult for the judges to see. But a brief and torrential downpour on Sunday fixed that, and the footing proved that it held up well in wet weather.

Faso added, "American Bankers Insurance Company sponsors all the ABIC/USDF Region Champs and we just can't thank them enough for their support. Joe Carr has been to a lot of Regional Champs this year and he also goes to the USDF Convention every year, so he is pretty much up on what's going on in the country and with USDF."

Carr, a VP from ABIC, was busy all weekend rolling centerlines, handing out awards, and helping generously in any way he could. His 12-year-old daughter Katie also volunteered, running scores for the judges. He said, " The Region 3 Championships were wonderful and showed how hard work pays off in all aspects of dressage: the riding, training and show management illustrated what a true regional championship is all about. I'd like to say congratulations to all."

By Amber Heintzberger for Dressagedaily.com

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On The Scene at the 2001 ABIC/USDF Region Three Finals - Including Results