Tell us a little about yourself (your location, awards/other certifications you hold, etc):
I am blessed to be located right in the middle of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a convenient location. I have received many awards and placed fourth and above at the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 9 Dressage Championships at various levels. I also hold a USEF Silver Certificate as a Para-Dressage Coach. A previous goal of mine was to earn my USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals on horses that I personally trained, which I accomplished in 2021.
How long have you been involved in the sport?
I was born with the "horse gene" as a child, like so many horse enthusiasts. I started in high school as a hunter rider and then transitioned to eventing. While eventing, I found my true passion, dressage, during my early college years.
How long have you been a USDF member?
I became a USDF member in 1978 and have been every year since, making 45 years.
What made you decide to participate in the USDF L Education Program?
I wish to increase my knowledge and achieve more education. My local Group Member Organization (GMO), the Oklahoma Dressage Society (ODS), hosted all sessions (A - D) of the USDF L Education Program in 2000 and 2001. The USDF L Education Program is an excellent systematic educational program that covers the biomechanics of both horse and rider, the gaits of the horse, and the rider's equitation.
How long did it take to complete the program, start to finish?
ODS hosted the program in the fall of 2000, with the final exam in 2001. I completed all sessions and graduated in the fall of 2001.
Do you plan to further your dressage education and to continue to apply what you learned in the program to become a licensed official?
I continue my education each year by attending USDF Zoom, online, or in-person continuing education classes. I do not have enough time to continue past being a graduate of the L program.
Do you serve as a judge for schooling shows in your capacity as an L Graduate? If so, on average, how many per year?
Each year, I judge approximately three schooling shows in our area, including the dressage classes for schooling eventing shows.
What impact did the program have on your dressage knowledge?
The L program expands our knowledge of what we witness from the ground and applies that knowledge learned to coaching a student or training our horses.
Name three things you took away from the program that you think every rider should know.
Every rider should understand:
- The Pyramid of Training in detail
- The correct seat, position, application, and effect of the aids in detail
- The basics of biomechanics for progressive training to improve and preserve a horse's natural gaits
Have you served in any other official capacity with USDF (council/committee member, council/committee chair, PM/GM delegate, board member/Regional Director, etc.)? Please describe.
As a member of ODS for 40 years, I have served as the Participating Member (PM) and Group Member (GM) delegate to represent ODS at the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention.
Contact:
Email: Roberta.clark@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 918-605-3263
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