Lexington, KY (October 27, 2015) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Rosalind "Roz" Kinstler has been named the 2015 USDF Volunteer of the Year. This award recognizes a USDF member who, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF's mission. As the winner, Rosalind will be presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

As a volunteer, Roz, of Whitmore Lake, MI, has contributed to dressage on the national, regional, and local levels. Nationally, she has served on several USDF councils and committees and, as the current chair of the Youth Programs Committee, has been instrumental in the creation of many youth programs.. Both regionally and locally, Roz has introduced dressage to countless grass roots riders, as well as volunteering innumerable hours with local dressage groups, 4-H clubs, and United States Pony Clubs.

Throughout her career Roz has fully embraced the ideals behind the USDF's mission of education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. This is evident through her dedication to the principle that dressage can improve any horse and any rider.

USDF Youth Programs Committee Advisor Alison Head, who nominated Roz, added "I think Roz exemplifies everything the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award is about. Ever since I've been involved with USDF, Roz has been there, working hard to create and promote programs near and dear to her heart. Not only is she a tireless volunteer, but she is an enthusiastic cheerleader for the sport and has encouraged so many younger riders to try and enjoy dressage."

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