Equestrian Canada (EC) is delighted to name Laurie Blake of Oro-Medonte, ON as the Dressage Volunteer of the Month for October.

As the Regional Discipline Chair for Dressage in Central Ontario Region (COR) Pony Club, Blake is diligent and passionate about providing opportunities for Pony Club members. With her positive attitude and infectious passion for the sport, she is able to rally volunteers, organize appropriate officials for regional events and assist organizers of branch-led competitions. She ensures efficiency in scoring, budgeting, application of the rules and overall organization.

Blake has been instrumental in supporting COR’s dressage series, which offers two qualifiers and a final show for members from walk/trot to Second Level. Champions from Training and First Levels are offered the opportunity to represent the region at the Canadian Pony Club Nationals the following year.

Blake’s support as the regional lead over the past two years helped with the club’s tremendous success. In 2016 COR swept the podium, with riders bringing home championship ribbons at the nationals, held in Winnipeg, MB in August.

Blake’s volunteer activities encourage and support the development of future dressage champions by creating the crucial base needed to excel at any level. In the words of the Chair of the Central Ontario Region Pony Club ‘Thank you, Laurie!’ Her recognition as the Dressage Volunteer of the Month for October is truly well deserved.

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 November 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].

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