There is an Awesome Accomplishment in progress!!

I wanted to take a moment and publicly thank our show management
team, Sarah Patrick (show manager), and Melanie Ware (show
secretary).

The Dakota Dressage & Eventing (DDE) recognized show, dubbed "Dakota
HorseFest" this year, as it is being held at the SD state fair
grounds next weekend with several other breed shows running the same
weekend, has become larger than ever.

Let me give you a little history to put this incredible
accomplishment in perspective. We are a GMO of about 100 members
now…

In 2002, we held a one-day show, 73 entries…
2003, one-day show, 81 entries…
2004, we moved to a 2-day show format, and had 119 entries.

This year… We added an adult & youth team competition on Friday,
moving to a 3 day format… and have 297 entries! We hired a second
judge & will run a second ring for about 9 hours over the weekend!

So Melanie & Sarah – for all the hours of data entry, scheduling,
fielding calls from inexperienced competitors, taking the time to
train us less experienced folks in how to do all this stuff! and all
the behind the scenes work of running a show – while juggling your
own horses, family commitments, & full time jobs - THANK YOU!

To all the people who are volunteering at the show, and before, and
after - THANK YOU! Every little task that YOU do makes this become a
reality!

When you see these phenomenal folks, tip your hat! We are really a
lucky GMO to have people like this!

Joann Messersmith
DDE Treasurer & Scholarship Program Chair