Lexington, KY (November 18, 2013) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Kelby Barranco of Boynton Beach, FL, has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by the USDF Youth Programs Advisory Subcommittee.  This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed both nationally and locally to USDF and the sport of dressage. As the winner, Kelby will be presented with a perpetual trophy, donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray, which is permanently on display in the Roemer/USDF Hall of Fame, will be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, and will receive a “keeper” trophy.

            Kelby a sixteen-year-old para-equestrian, already has many years of service as a volunteer at USDF-recognized competitions under his belt.  In 2013 alone, he dedicated over 750 hours of volunteer service at competitions including the Wellington Classic Dressage, Gold Coast Dressage, and International Horse Sport shows. His volunteer work was not only a tremendous help in keeping the shows running smoothly, but has also been a major part of his life skills work. Kelby has assisted show management in every aspect, from helping as a ring steward to directing traffic. This year, Kelby's favorite volunteer position was a quarantine assignment at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, supervising Silvia Rizzo's horse, Donnerbube 2, for six weeks while she was competing in the World Dressage Masters. This assignment required a high level of attention and dedication, in which Kelby excelled. Kelby was nominated for the Youth Volunteer of the Year award by Robyn Weston of Region 2.

            “Kelby makes a unique contribution to education, recognition of achievement, and the promotion of dressage. He is a classified Para Level II rider and a wonderful ambassador for the para-dressage community and for the USDF.” stated Weston.

            The USDF Youth Programs Committee selected Kelby for his passion for horses and for dressage. The committee wholeheartedly commends Kelby for his dedication to dressage and the ability to be a positive role model for other youth, through exceptional volunteerism.

            For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at youth@usdf.org.  

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.