Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce that Ben and Greetje Pon of Calgary, AB have been awarded the Dressage Volunteer of the Month title for August 2016.

Over the years, Ben and Greetje’s contributions to the sport of dressage in Calgary have been immeasurable. Greetje has served on the Executive and Show Committee of the Calgary Area/Alberta Dressage Association Board for over eight years. She primarily held the position of Event/Competition Manager, but also stepped up to fill the role of Vice President for two years when it was required.

Greetje has been responsible for hiring all judges, stewards and veterinarians for competitions. Together, Ben and Greetje have also coordinated all logistics for competition officials, including air travel and transportation for the duration of the competitions. They have even been known to show the competition officials the sights – such as Spruce Meadows and Banff – or entertain them at their home, at their own expense. Officials over the years have had only wonderful things to say about the Pons.

In addition to their hospitality, Greetje and Ben have pitched in at competitions wherever they are needed and have been seen frequently working in a show office or helping with the sound system. The Pons have also sponsored Calgary dressage competitions for many years.

On behalf of the dressage community, EC thanks the Pons for their hard work and generous contributions to the sport of dressage and is proud to provide them with the Dressage Volunteer of the Month title for August.

If you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition, nominations can be made easily through the EC website. Nominations for the award are accepted until the 20th day of each month, making October 20, 2016 the next deadline to submit the name of a volunteer who has made a difference to the sport of dressage. Questions and comments on the Dressage Volunteer of the Month Award can be directed to Christine Peters at [email protected].