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2023 Year-End Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting NDA Year End Awards Banquet - November 19, 2023 Location: The Graduate Hotel 141 N 9th St Lincoln, NE 68508 We all know and love this afternoon event to be the perfect conclusion to our show season, and we are so happy to bring it back in style! We are excited to share a table with you once again, to share stories from the past year among friends and be reminded of the incredible community we have joined. Not going to be at the banquet this year? Still want to vote for your candidates? Fill out the proxy form and email it to [email protected] by 5 pm on Saturday, November 18th for your vote to count!
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Your 2023 Board Candidates
Hello, I’m Darian Kauk, a young rider from Lincoln! I’ve been riding horses for 8 years and competing in dressage for 4 years. I have taken my mount, Bella Rose, through the levels, and we are now competing in third level. Looking ahead, I am working diligently towards earning my USDF Silver Medal.
My goal on the NDA board is to provide new opportunities to grow our youth program and connect our youth with one another. I would love to work towards fundraising to bring in more clinicians to further educate our youth.
My goal on the NDA board is to provide new opportunities to grow our youth program and connect our youth with one another. I would love to work towards fundraising to bring in more clinicians to further educate our youth.
Jena Vogt -
I grew up in Lincoln and started riding horses when I was 8, mainly showing through 4H and attending dressage schooling shows. When I was in high school my parents bought me my own horse, Jojo, who is still my horse today. My riding and competing slowed down when I was in college, as well as post-graduation as I studied for and took my professional engineering exam, and planned a wedding and got married. In the last year, I started taking lessons again and Jojo and I attended a few schooling shows this year. It's also my first year being an NDA member. It's been really great getting back into riding more, and learning about all the benefits NDA offers. I am interested in being a board member not only to get more involved and connected with the local dressage community, but also to continue to help grow and develop the organization. I currently live near Raymond on an acreage with my husband and our two cats, and when I'm not working or spending time with Jojo you can find me working outside, trying out a new recipe, or caught up in a good book.
I grew up in Lincoln and started riding horses when I was 8, mainly showing through 4H and attending dressage schooling shows. When I was in high school my parents bought me my own horse, Jojo, who is still my horse today. My riding and competing slowed down when I was in college, as well as post-graduation as I studied for and took my professional engineering exam, and planned a wedding and got married. In the last year, I started taking lessons again and Jojo and I attended a few schooling shows this year. It's also my first year being an NDA member. It's been really great getting back into riding more, and learning about all the benefits NDA offers. I am interested in being a board member not only to get more involved and connected with the local dressage community, but also to continue to help grow and develop the organization. I currently live near Raymond on an acreage with my husband and our two cats, and when I'm not working or spending time with Jojo you can find me working outside, trying out a new recipe, or caught up in a good book.
Laureen Van Norman -
Thanks for considering me for a position on the NDA board. If I am elected, this will be the 3rd time, I have served. Each time has been a unique experience with creative dedicated members.
I first served when Cynthia Johnson was the president in 2004-05. She threw me right into the fire appointing me as Competitions Chair. Talk about a learning curve. Beth Wood was the next president and during her term, the board initiated the Schooling Show Championships. I also served as the Awards Chair.
This is a long way of saying I have experience in many different aspects of NDA. I have volunteered at shows throughout the region and am a member of the Region 4 scholarship committee. My equine partners are Montagny von der Heide (Monty) and Icon. They are both 3rd-4th level. Monty has done me proud by carrying Lexie Kment in 3 years of Jr/Yr competition to the most gold medals ever won by a horse/rider combination.
I feel like I have a thorough knowledge of NDA, USDF and the programs and competitions available. I am looking forward to continuing to support NDA in any way possible.
Thanks for considering me for a position on the NDA board. If I am elected, this will be the 3rd time, I have served. Each time has been a unique experience with creative dedicated members.
I first served when Cynthia Johnson was the president in 2004-05. She threw me right into the fire appointing me as Competitions Chair. Talk about a learning curve. Beth Wood was the next president and during her term, the board initiated the Schooling Show Championships. I also served as the Awards Chair.
This is a long way of saying I have experience in many different aspects of NDA. I have volunteered at shows throughout the region and am a member of the Region 4 scholarship committee. My equine partners are Montagny von der Heide (Monty) and Icon. They are both 3rd-4th level. Monty has done me proud by carrying Lexie Kment in 3 years of Jr/Yr competition to the most gold medals ever won by a horse/rider combination.
I feel like I have a thorough knowledge of NDA, USDF and the programs and competitions available. I am looking forward to continuing to support NDA in any way possible.
Hi, I am Linda Smith. Last year I was voted onto the board as Vice President to fill a 1 year position left by a board member who resigned mid-term. In July I assumed the role of President of NDA.
Our family has been involved with Dressage and NDA for the past 40 years. I love this organization and will contribute in any way I can to its inclusivity, longevity and growth. My husband Mike & I ran the Cornhusker Classic for several years, and I have personally volunteered at the local, national and international levels in many capacities. We also co-own Providence Farm, a Dressage Training Facility, with Jami & Kevin Kment. We started out in Pony Club and ended up in the Nebraska Dressage Association, and personally know and work with many of the Olympic and Pan Am team riders.
I believe Dressage should be available to everyone, all riders matter, from the little girl with her first pony as well as the Adult Amateur, whether they are looking for friends and want to ride Intro for the rest of their riding career, or aspire to compete at the highest levels including NAYC, attending the Robert Dover Clinic, with dreams to compete at Festival of Champions, Pan Am Games, and on to the Olympics.
All of this begins at the local grass roots level with this organization, NDA. If NDA doesn’t remain solvent, with strong internal relationships and exciting educational opportunities, all these dreams go away. At this moment we have a cohesive board that is working well, with a vision and direction to keep this organization strong by being inclusive to every member, whether you are associated with a barn or keep your horse in your own back yard.
I would be honored to be considered for another term on the board. There are many good things in the works, and I’d like to be part of it!
Our family has been involved with Dressage and NDA for the past 40 years. I love this organization and will contribute in any way I can to its inclusivity, longevity and growth. My husband Mike & I ran the Cornhusker Classic for several years, and I have personally volunteered at the local, national and international levels in many capacities. We also co-own Providence Farm, a Dressage Training Facility, with Jami & Kevin Kment. We started out in Pony Club and ended up in the Nebraska Dressage Association, and personally know and work with many of the Olympic and Pan Am team riders.
I believe Dressage should be available to everyone, all riders matter, from the little girl with her first pony as well as the Adult Amateur, whether they are looking for friends and want to ride Intro for the rest of their riding career, or aspire to compete at the highest levels including NAYC, attending the Robert Dover Clinic, with dreams to compete at Festival of Champions, Pan Am Games, and on to the Olympics.
All of this begins at the local grass roots level with this organization, NDA. If NDA doesn’t remain solvent, with strong internal relationships and exciting educational opportunities, all these dreams go away. At this moment we have a cohesive board that is working well, with a vision and direction to keep this organization strong by being inclusive to every member, whether you are associated with a barn or keep your horse in your own back yard.
I would be honored to be considered for another term on the board. There are many good things in the works, and I’d like to be part of it!
My name is Jen Weaver, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the open 2-year term NDA board member position in the upcoming election. This decision has been carefully considered and discussed with my family and fellow barn members and I am eager to share my background and aspirations with you.
My family and I hail from different parts of the United States, each of us bringing a unique perspective to NDA. I grew up in Southeast Minnesota, while my husband Eric, is a native of the Southeast coast of Texas. We meet during his tenure at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where our daughter Katy was born. In 2016, we relocated to Nebraska when he accepted an appointment with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Professionally, I have been a database administrator with Olmsted County, Minnesota for the past 24 years, telecommuting for the last 7 years. Eric currently is the Director of the Nebraska Center of Virology and Professor of Biology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Katy is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and training with Laura Stueck at Still Waters in Hickman, Nebraska.
While I have spent much time on farms, especially dairy farms, our equestrian journey began almost 8 years ago through my daughter Katy and her love of riding. Eric and I support her and her riding goals. We believe that dressage lessons have helped our daughter develop character, learn responsibility, and gain confidence. Recently, we purchased her first horse Winchester (Winny) and plan to continue the pursuit of learning dressage and horse-related skills and knowledge.
It has been some time since I have been involved with a 501c3 board member and other community service project, but I would like to bring that experience to NDA. My family and I want me to be part of a non-profit that supports the sport of dressage through education, clinics, and local shows.
I have gained experience in both education and community service through my involvement in various roles over the years. This includes my dedicated service on the Friends of Oxbow (FOX) Board for over 12 years. FOX is a non-profit organization committed in advancing education, preserving the environment, and enriching recreational opportunities. Additionally, I actively contributed to the Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota where I served as a Sunday school teacher and youth mentor for a span of 18 years.
Furthermore, I have demonstrated my commitment to community engagement through participations in my organization’s employee newsletter advisory board, the coordination of food drives, involvement in Minnesota GIS/LIS Conference Planning Committees, and my active participation in past United Way Employees Campaign Boards.
If elected, I will be committed to emphasizing the importance of representing and support dressage riders at all levels within NDA. I am eager to explore ways in which the NDA can promote diversity and create opportunities for riders of all skill levels. It is my strong belief that every rider should respect one another, regardless of their background or the horse/pony they ride. I understand many of our young riders have either experienced or aware of the challenges posed by the attitudes of some NDA members. To address this issue, I propose the introduction of a code of conduct/ethics that NDA members, especially riders and trainers, should adhere to regarding their treatment of fellow riders. Socioeconomic background is a form of discrimination, and we must work collectively to make dressage more accessible to all, regardless of the cost associated with this disciple.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve the NDA board and to work with ideas like this an many others. Your support in this endeavor would be invaluable, and I look forward to collaborating with the you to ensure the NDA remains an inclusive and welcoming community for all dressage enthusiasts.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to discuss, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can create positive change within our association.
My family and I hail from different parts of the United States, each of us bringing a unique perspective to NDA. I grew up in Southeast Minnesota, while my husband Eric, is a native of the Southeast coast of Texas. We meet during his tenure at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where our daughter Katy was born. In 2016, we relocated to Nebraska when he accepted an appointment with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Professionally, I have been a database administrator with Olmsted County, Minnesota for the past 24 years, telecommuting for the last 7 years. Eric currently is the Director of the Nebraska Center of Virology and Professor of Biology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Katy is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and training with Laura Stueck at Still Waters in Hickman, Nebraska.
While I have spent much time on farms, especially dairy farms, our equestrian journey began almost 8 years ago through my daughter Katy and her love of riding. Eric and I support her and her riding goals. We believe that dressage lessons have helped our daughter develop character, learn responsibility, and gain confidence. Recently, we purchased her first horse Winchester (Winny) and plan to continue the pursuit of learning dressage and horse-related skills and knowledge.
It has been some time since I have been involved with a 501c3 board member and other community service project, but I would like to bring that experience to NDA. My family and I want me to be part of a non-profit that supports the sport of dressage through education, clinics, and local shows.
I have gained experience in both education and community service through my involvement in various roles over the years. This includes my dedicated service on the Friends of Oxbow (FOX) Board for over 12 years. FOX is a non-profit organization committed in advancing education, preserving the environment, and enriching recreational opportunities. Additionally, I actively contributed to the Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota where I served as a Sunday school teacher and youth mentor for a span of 18 years.
Furthermore, I have demonstrated my commitment to community engagement through participations in my organization’s employee newsletter advisory board, the coordination of food drives, involvement in Minnesota GIS/LIS Conference Planning Committees, and my active participation in past United Way Employees Campaign Boards.
If elected, I will be committed to emphasizing the importance of representing and support dressage riders at all levels within NDA. I am eager to explore ways in which the NDA can promote diversity and create opportunities for riders of all skill levels. It is my strong belief that every rider should respect one another, regardless of their background or the horse/pony they ride. I understand many of our young riders have either experienced or aware of the challenges posed by the attitudes of some NDA members. To address this issue, I propose the introduction of a code of conduct/ethics that NDA members, especially riders and trainers, should adhere to regarding their treatment of fellow riders. Socioeconomic background is a form of discrimination, and we must work collectively to make dressage more accessible to all, regardless of the cost associated with this disciple.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve the NDA board and to work with ideas like this an many others. Your support in this endeavor would be invaluable, and I look forward to collaborating with the you to ensure the NDA remains an inclusive and welcoming community for all dressage enthusiasts.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to discuss, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can create positive change within our association.
Elections
Are you interested in serving on the NDA Board of Directors? We'd love to have you! Every year, we elect at least three new members to the Board, each serving a term of three years.
What are a board member's responsibilities?
You may be wondering, "If I am elected, what exactly will I be expected to do?"
Primarily, you are committing to attend regular NDA Board of Directors meetings in which the board discusses and votes on regular NDA business, rule changes, finances, events, and general management. These meetings are typically once a month and last 2 hours, though special meetings may be called if necessary. Please make sure you are available to attend as many meetings as possible; attending less than half of the meetings in a year will result in automatic removal from the board. There may be other business conducted by the Board of Directors in between meetings via email. (For full details, check out the NDA Member Handbook.)
Basically, this is your chance to help shape NDA into the best, most educational, most successful dressage organization it can be. If you've got ideas, we want to hear them!
How do all the different board positions work?
At the annual meeting, the NDA members will hold a general election to select our new members for the Board of Directors. Once the new Board of Directors is in place, the officer appointments will take place.
I don't know...I've never done anything like this before.
It's okay—we're friendly! You don't have to have any previous experience working on a Board of Directors—though if you have, that's great, too! Whether this is your first time, or you've run for (or served) the NDA Board in the past, you are completely and totally welcome. We're looking for people who have great ideas and a desire to promote dressage in our community.
What are a board member's responsibilities?
You may be wondering, "If I am elected, what exactly will I be expected to do?"
Primarily, you are committing to attend regular NDA Board of Directors meetings in which the board discusses and votes on regular NDA business, rule changes, finances, events, and general management. These meetings are typically once a month and last 2 hours, though special meetings may be called if necessary. Please make sure you are available to attend as many meetings as possible; attending less than half of the meetings in a year will result in automatic removal from the board. There may be other business conducted by the Board of Directors in between meetings via email. (For full details, check out the NDA Member Handbook.)
Basically, this is your chance to help shape NDA into the best, most educational, most successful dressage organization it can be. If you've got ideas, we want to hear them!
How do all the different board positions work?
At the annual meeting, the NDA members will hold a general election to select our new members for the Board of Directors. Once the new Board of Directors is in place, the officer appointments will take place.
I don't know...I've never done anything like this before.
It's okay—we're friendly! You don't have to have any previous experience working on a Board of Directors—though if you have, that's great, too! Whether this is your first time, or you've run for (or served) the NDA Board in the past, you are completely and totally welcome. We're looking for people who have great ideas and a desire to promote dressage in our community.
