USDF Board of Governors: In 2011, the BOG approved a motion that the US Dressage Finals are proposed to rotate from the east to the west at least every three years. Accordingly, bids from facilities with a westerly location were solicited for 2016-2018. In 2014, the BOG approved moving the Finals one week earlier from its current date, starting in 2016 (November 3-6, 2016) so that the last regional championship would be held no later than the weekend of October 14-16. A diverse Site Selection Task Force, including competitors and regional representation, was created to review the bids submitted. In that evaluation process, the field was narrowed and subsequent site visits to the preferred locations and facilities were conducted by the USDF President and the Chair of the US Dressage Finals Organizing Committee. The findings presented some significant challenges. The only available date at the 2016 location recommended by the Site Selection Committee would require the 2016 Regional Championships to be held no later than October 7-9. With 2016 being a USEF Competition Calendar date rotation year, and competitions generally shifting to a later date on the calendar, we ran into a challenge in scheduling all of the USDF Regional Championship qualifiers, to be in line with the available dates of the preferred facilities and locations within several regions. After careful review, the Executive Board concluded that to move a week earlier starting in 2016 would potentially compromise the success of the well-established Regional Championship system. In addition to the dates, location is also a concern in terms of travel logistics, weather, and ultimately attendance, which impacts financial viability. USDF’s goal is the operation of the US Dressage Finals in a financially self-sustaining manner over the long term. Currently, we are achieving that goal, but a premature relocation presents significant risk in its sustainability. The USDF Executive Board, after evaluating current options, has decided that more research and time is needed to evaluate facility options, the regional championship time line, impact of attendance on location, and financial impact. While the goal is to move west, the US Dressage Finals needs to be at a practical location for competitors and at a facility that can provide the international standards established at the Kentucky Horse Park, while maintaining financial viability for USDF. The Executive Board feels more lead time is needed and has voted to delay the move from the Kentucky Horse Park to 2017. Researching a viable solution for 2017 is ongoing.

Sincerely, George Williams, USDF President