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USDF Region 5 Awards

In 2009, USDF Region 5, under the leadership of Regional Director Theresa Hunt, established a life time achievement for the Region. Several Regional Committee and Council members deliberated over the nominations and brought their recommendation to the USDF Annual Convention in December 2009, held in Austin, Texas. There, the USDF members attending the Region 5 meetings approved the recommendation and the first award recipient was determined. We have now given 2 Life Time Achievement awards. If you have suggestions for folks who should be recognized, please contact our Regional Director.

2010 USDF Region 5 Life Time Achievement Recipient
Dr. Rudolf Vlatten

Our 2010 Region 5 Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Dr. Rudolf Vlatten. Unfortunately, he passed away prior to being presented the award. He trained and competed on the Lipizzaner stallion Favory Dubowina and the Thoroughbred gelding Academy Formal to Grand Prix, as well as several other horses to the Prix St. Georges and Intermediare Level. In 1981 he founded the Central Arizona Riding Academy (CARA), now owned by his daughter, Dorie, and her husband, Uli Schmitz. CARA hosted many USDF programs including a trainers’ conference and “L” Programs, as well as several CDI competitions. Dr. Vlatten was an AHSA (now USEF) “S” judge since 1984. As a judge he was very encouraging and he wrote short bits of advice for the Arizona Dressage Association newsletter. His motto was “Don’t go too fast. Take it easy. Be patient with your horse and it will pay back with interest.” He earned the respect of those who met him.

2009 USDF Region 5 Life Time Achievement Recipient
Barbara Stine

Barbara and her horse, Moonbeam

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Barbara Stine arrived in Arizona in June of 1973. She had been active with her daughter, Ellie, in dressage with the Westchester/ Fairfield Dressage Association in Connecticut before moving to Arizona with her husband, G. Harry, son, Bill, and Golden retriever, Gina that summer. Barbara immediately made contact with the local dressage group, known then as the Arizona Hunter/Jumper and Dressage Association.

The Arizona Dressage Association was officially formed in June of 1975. Barbara has served on the Board since before the name change, starting in 1974. She has been the Secretary for several terms. She was the Show Manager and Secretary for the 1978 ADA Spring Show at Equestrian Manor and she was the original ADA Futurity Chairman for at least ten years starting in 1976.

Starting in 1982 Barbara was the Newsletter editor for the ADA Centerline until early 2000. She wrote several columns, “Tidbits” and “Tips from the TD” that were often reproduced in other GMO newsletters.

The Barbara K. Stine Volunteer Trophy was initiated in 1988 and she was the first recipient. She also served as the JR/YR sponsor for many years and she has sponsored a perpetual trophy at the Spring Show for the highest scoring JR/YR above first level since 1977.

Barbara is also the ADA Historian. In 1995 she organized the 25th Anniversary Show Program with reminiscences and pictures, as well as a luncheon for all the old timers to get together. In 1996 she compiled a short history of the ADA to be the title page for cookbook “The Feed Bag” that was sold as a fundraiser for the association.

From 1992 until 2005 Barbara stored most of the ADA Horse Show boxes, ribbons, and equipment in her garage in Phoenix. She kept the judges boxes replenished and a complete inventory of ribbons and prizes. She served on the Show Committee for many years as Sponsor and Advertising Chairman. She solicited ads and class sponsorships for the program for three large shows each year and put the official show program together.

Since 1973 until the fall of 2007 Barbara was the ADA Membership Chairman. With the help of her more computer literate friends, she kept tabs on the growth of the association and produced labels and rosters for 34 years.