U.S. Dressage Federation officials have named Janine Malone and Maryal Barnett as the winners of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards go to longtime members who’ve shown a lifetime of dedication to USDF through volunteering and developing programs, projects, and committees that have contributed to USDF’s mission.
Malone was a member of the USDF Executive Board for 18 years as the Region 1 Director and USDF Secretary. She received the first ABIG/USDF Volunteer of the Year award in 1998. Currently, Malone is the chair of the U.S. Dressage Finals Organizing Committee, and she was honored at the 2013 inaugural U.S. Dressage Finals with a perpetual trophy in her name, given to the adult amateur Prix St. Georges champion.
In addition to working as a U.S. Equestrian Federation judge, technical delegate and steward, Malone has also been an event organizer. She was a charter member and past president of the North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association and managed shows such as the Col. Bengt Ljungquist Memorial Championships.
Malone has served on numerous USDF and USEF committees, was a USEF vice president for FEI affiliates and served on the USEF board.
“I can think of no one more deserving of this award, as fitting recognition of her years of tireless volunteer service for the benefit of USDF and the sport,” said USDF Vice President Lisa Gorretta.
Barnett is an Fédération Equestre Internationale “C” dressage judge, a USEF “S” dressage judge, and a Canadian Equestrian Federation Senior Dressage Judge. She’s hosted many judges’ mini-forums throughout the United States and is a member of the USDF “L” faculty to teach others to be dressage judges.
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In March of 1998, Barnett became an instructor, examiner and senior official for the national “r” and “R” dressage judges training program. She attended the USDF/Violet M. Hopkins National Dressage Instructors’ Seminar since its inception in 1979, participating as a rider and later as an instructor.
In 1997, Barnett was elected to the executive board of The Dressage Foundation, and in 1998, she was chosen to be an official USDF instructor certification examiner and faculty member.
“For Maryal, teaching is more than just a profession. It is a passion,” said fellow examiner and FEI five-star judge Lilo Fore. “Nothing gives her greater joy than seeing her students gain the ability to grasp a skill or concept through lessons that she developed.”
Barnett and Malone will be inducted into The Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall Of Fame at the Salute Gala & Annual Awards Banquet on Dec. 6 during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Cambridge, Mass.
