Lexington, KY (August 13, 2019) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that the Albers Award perpetual trophy was awarded to Region 7 Chef d'Equipe Alison Burt-Jacobs, at this year's USDF North American Youth Dressage Championships, held during the 2019 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships, presented by Gotham North (NAYC).

“The ability to focus on their team that they have the responsibility of representing, at the exclusion of all else, is what makes a great chef d'equipe,” stated Roberta Williams, USDF FEI Jr/YR Committee Chair. “Alison lost everything - her home, her belongings, and her barn, eight months ago in the California wildfires. Despite the devastation in her personal life, she was unwavering in her dedication to creating a team experience for all the kids from her region, no matter if they were combined with another team or if they came as an individual. Alison was not only a good leader but also an excellent role model.”

The Albers Award is named in honor of long time USDF Region 1 Chef d'Equipe, supporter, and good friend, Patsy Albers. The award is presented annually at the USDF North American Youth Dressage Championships, to the dressage chef d'equipe who best demonstrates the same level of dedication, enthusiasm, and team spirit shown by Patsy, throughout the years. The award is open to all the dressage chefs d'equipe, and any competitor or chef d'equipe can nominate a candidate by submitting a written explanation as to why that chef deserves to win the Albers Award.

The NAYC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for youth, age 14-21. Young equestrians vie for team and individual FEI medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, and eventing.

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.