October 13, 2006 (Lexington, KY.) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) congratulates Claire Darnell of Georgetown, Texas, for her nomination to serve as the USDF representative and Susan E. Walker of San Diego, California, for her nomination to serve as the alternate representative to the newly created USEF Youth Council. The USEF Youth Council will be comprised of youth members, age 21 and under, who are active in a breed or discipline's affiliate organization. The Youth Council's mission will be to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States to advance the level of horsemanship across all disciplines.

Darnell, 19, was recognized for her accomplishments in dressage competition, her dedication to the sport, and for her demonstrated leadership in promoting dressage for youth.

Darnell currently serves as President of the USDF Youth Executive Board, whose mission is to convey the thoughts and needs of youth throughout the country to the USDF Executive Board and Board of Governors. She has also served as webmaster and as newsletter editor for the Central Texas Dressage Society. An accomplished equestrienne, Darnell has earned the USDF Silver Medal, represented Region 9 at the North American Young Rider Championships in 2002, earned 8th and 9th places respectively in the 6 year-old and 4 year-old divisions of the 2006 USEF/Markel National Young Horse Championships, and has been named year-end champion or reserve champion in Training through Prix St. Georges levels at the Southwest Dressage Championships over the past six years.

Walker, 16, currently serves as Secretary for the USDF Youth Executive Board, has represented Region 7 on the Youth Executive Board since 2005, and also serves the California Dressage Society as a Youth Representative. Walker is an accomplished dressage competitor, competing on the Region 7 North American Junior Championships Team in 2006, finishing fourth individually, and earning a Team Silver medal and individual seventh place at the 2006 USEF Junior Dressage Team Championships.

For more information about USDF Youth Programs, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org/Programs, or contact Karin Glassman, Director of Programs and Education at kglassman@usdf.org or 859-271-7879. 

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.