FEI dressage judge Sue Rothgeb

CADORA-Ontario held its Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at the Carousel Restaurant in Peterborough.  This year, the weather was much more cooperative than last so the number of award winners and their friends attending filled the meeting room at the Carousel.

The AGM was called to order by the President, Don Barnes.  Jan Chuchman of Conestoga CADORA read the notice of meeting and filed the proxies that had been submitted by members who could not attend.  Members present then approved the minutes from the 2005 AGM, along with the 2006 reports of the President and Treasurer.  The Board of Directors for 2006 was also ratified.

Members were then treated to an impassioned pep-talk by FEI Dressage Judge, Sue Rothgeb, who called upon riders to ride for the enjoyment, to strive to have more fun showing in the upcoming season.  Sue reminded those present to keep their priorities clear in their riding.  If the Olympics are not part of your riding goals, you should be showing for the joy of it and for the learning experience.

The highlight of the day was certainly the presentation of awards to winners from the 2005 show season.  Over 100 awards were presented.  These included the Trillium Awards for each of the levels in the Trillium Dressage circuit, the Trillium Challenge and National Challenge awards, the Trillium and National scholarship winners, the Primary Award winners and the Trillium Dressage Champions.  Twenty-two riders were added to the CADORA-Ontario Roster of Riders.  The Roster of Riders honours the top Ontario riders, including those who have won CADORA-Ontario scholarships or challenges, and the champions from the Trillium and Ontario Dressage Championships.  In addition, CADORA-Ontario presented medallions to members who were Ontario Dressage Champions.

The 2005 show season was a rewarding one for a great many CADORA-Ontario members.  Congratulations are extended to each of the award winners and also to the many others whose participation in Primary, Trillium or National shows promoted the sport of dressage in Ontario.

Melena McDermid of London Dressage Association was awarded the First level freestyle champion at the Trillium Championships. Melena was also the first place winner of the Trillium Award for First level freestyle

Susan Wynn, a member of the Caledon CADORA was first place winner of the First level AA Trillium Award.

Annie Baird, Glanbrook CADORA took first place in the Second level open division of the Trillium awards

Shelley Higgins of Glanbrook CADORA, champion in the Training level freestyle at the Trillium Championships