UDS is Happy to Introduce the Candidates!We appreciate these candidates' willingness to step up and offer their time and energy to run for the positions. Below is a list of candidates in alphabetical order by the board position first and then alphabetically by last name. Please look for the election ballots later this month.
Board Position: Director of Communications
Candidate: Lara OlesBio: In 2012, Lara, her husband, and a menagerie of pets, moved to Heber City to pursue her dream of representing the United States on the Para Dressage Team at the Paralympics. She trains with Annie Sweet at Sage Creek Equestrian, and now owns two dressage horses in addition to two Tennessee Walking horses for trail riding. Lara signed on with the UDS as the Adult Education Coordinator in the fall of 2012, and helped plan a Scribe clinic with “L” Judge Marlo Vivenzio, and a riding clinic with Mette Rosencrantz in 2013. For 2014 they decided to make the Education Coordinator a Board member. Lara took the position and helped plan a freestyle clinic with Karen Robinson and a Bits and Bitting clinic with U.S. Herm Sprenger representative Lori Carter.
Board Position: Director of CompetitionsCandidate: Nance AllenBio: Many people know me as "the lady who runs the HoofPrints schooling shows" which encourages all riders to practice their dressage tests. Others know me from the startup of the Short Tour Series that UDS devised and has promoted to great success; while others know me as a past president of UDS. I am all of those – The common thread being a commitment to the promotion of dressage in Utah. As Director of Competitions, I will incorporate those experiences to support the variety of dressage competitions, competitors and coaches in our service area which includes parts of Idaho, parts of Wyoming, parts of Nevada, and the WHOLE of Utah. It is also my wish for all of us to join together to offer riders opportunities to prepare for Regional and National Championships. I look forward to working with you all. Sincerely Nance Allen
Board Position: Director of Education
Candidate: Stacey HornsbyBio: I grew up as a horse crazy kid just outside of New York City and for my 12 birthday my grandfather bought me a package of riding lessons and I never looked back since! I have competed in hunter/Jumpers, Eventing, Western Pleasure, Dressage, and Jousting Games through the SCA. I graduated with a degree in Equine Science from Centenary College, then graduated from Purdue University as a Veterinary Technician and I have been a Nurse for 20 years with a specialty in clinical education. When I lived in Indiana I owned and operated a small horse boarding and training facility with the main focus on Eventing, 4H and helping kids learn to bond with their ponies. Since moving to Utah 10 years ago, I ran a 4H club, showed Dressage and have been a trainer and lunger for the Technique Equestrian Vaulting Club. I regret having to step down from being President of the UDS back in 2010 but health and family issues took precedence. I learned a lot from my time on the UDS board and enjoyed bringing the L Program to Utah. With my background in education I feel the new Director of Education position would be a lot of fun for me as it will combine two things I love best - horses and teaching/organizing events that will make us better with and for our horses!
Board Position: Treasurer
Candidate: Alison ChildBio: Alison has been in the sport since 1996 but has managed to become a USDF “L” graduate (with distinction), and has earned both her bronze and silver medals on her Hanoverian, Shaka Zulu. Alison showed her talented new young horse, World Games (“Woody”), at first level last year and after a bumpy summer looks forward to the challenges of third level in the 2015 show season. She has been a member of the UDS for at least 16 years and was honored with the USDF Region 5 Volunteer of the Year Award for 2013. She was also instrumental in bringing the USDF Region 5 Championships to Utah for the first time in 2012. Alison is also a professional saddle fitter representing the Trilogy line by Performance Saddlery. As a 33-year resident of Park City, Alison is very active in the community and serves on a variety of non-profit boards. A big outdoor enthusiast, she loves to hike, fly fish, mountain bike and ski with her husband of 30 years, Paul Kirwin. They have three dogs, two horses and many visiting friends and relatives.
Board Position: Vice President
Candidate: MJ BabcookBio: Like many Adult Amateurs, I did not ride as a child. When I did begin riding about 5 years ago, it was as a western rider. But I found my true calling in dressage with Chopin, my locally bred and born Oldenburg-Arabian gelding, and many friends within the UDS community. After 2 years on the board as vice-president, I have decided to run again to put into practice all I've learned: how the annual show works and being available for any job as necessary at the annual show, organizing and running the silent auction at the banquet, working with the catering folks at the banquet. Because I am self-employed, I can and will continue to arrange my schedule to accommodate the varied demands of serving on a board with a diverse group of needs. Onward and upward.
Board Position: Vice President
Candidate: Sydni OttesenBio: I have been riding dressage in the state since I was young girl and have always had a deep passion for our sport. After being a working student and assistant trainer for FEI trainer Trisha Kerwin for many many years I split off to create my own business and have since trained and competed through Prix St George. I'm am education junkie and am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and am currently working on becoming an L judge and a USDF certified instructor. By being on the UDS board I hope to be able to create an even more harmonious relationship with the UDS with the membership and to enhance in every way possible the quality of dressage in our state. My goal is to find ways for the UDS to better serve all the members it represents!