Lexington, KY (October 29, 2015) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Rebekah Mingari of Crestwood, KY, has been selected as the recipient of the 2015 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed, both nationally and locally, to USDF and dressage. As the winner, Rebekah will be presented with a perpetual trophy, donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray, which is on permanent display in the Roemer/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

Rebekah, nineteen-years-old, already has many years of service as a volunteer under her belt. She has dedicated numerous hours of volunteer service fundraising for the Region 2 Junior/Young Rider (Jr/YR) Dressage Team, making “goody bags” for all of the Jr/YR competitors during regional championships, organizing pizza parties for the Jr/YR competitors, and working diligently to keep them informed through social media. Rebekah also served on the Kentucky Dressage Association (KDA) board as their Jr/YR Representative.

“Her dedication, hard work, and determination are contagious, and KDA's Jr/YR participation has increased significantly while she has been involved. Young riders need to have fun, see others succeed, and have good role models. Rebekah does that for the young riders in our area,” stated KDA President Michelle Morehead.

The USDF Youth Programs Committee selected Rebekah based on her passion for both horses and dressage. The committee wholeheartedly commends Rebekah for her 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.