Lexington, KY (September 5, 2023) – The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is thrilled to announce Sally Davenport, Beth Jenkins, and Brook Irving-Martz as the 2023 USDF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Members of Distinction, respectively. Each of these honorees will be recognized during the Salute Gala & Annual Awards Banquet, held during the 2023 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention, in Omaha. In addition to recognizing our honorees, this year’s convention will also mark USDF’s 50th anniversary, so everyone is encouraged to join us as we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of these deserving individuals, and another milestone in USDF’s storied history.

USDF President George Williams had this to say of this year’s honorees, “One of the most meaningful and exciting parts of every convention is the recognition of the dignitaries of the sport and organization, and this year’s lineup of honorees is certain to prove no exception. I have had the unique privilege to know Sally, Beth, and Brook for many years, in both personal and professional capacities, and the knowledge, passion, leadership, and work ethic with which they operate is beyond measure. Each of these individuals has dedicated so much time and energy in the interest of dressage, it seems only fitting that we at USDF find a way to give back. It is my sincere hope that that these honors are a symbol of just how appreciative and grateful we, as both the dressage community and USDF, are to them, for their dedication and immeasurable contributions.”

Sally Davenport (Scituate, MA) - USDF Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipients of the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award are long-time USDF members, who have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to USDF and its mission through faithful volunteerism, attendance at annual meetings, and overall service to the organization, which Sally Davenport epitomizes. Sally’s influence and leadership has been felt in the dressage community for decades, as documented by her naming as 2013 USDF Volunteer of the Year. From her longtime membership with the New England Dressage Association, where she organizes and administers numerous educational programs still today, her ongoing dedication to judge and technical delegate education, and her service as a Dressage Technical Delegate, FEI Dressage Steward, FEI Para Dressage Steward, and member/chair of the USDF Technical Delegate Committee, Sally’s influence and leadership has permeated the US dressage community for decades. For these reasons, and many others, it is USDF’s distinguished pleasure to recognize her with the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beth Jenkins (Sherborn, MA) – USDF Member of Distinction

Another former USDF Volunteer of the Year (2008), Beth Jenkins’ longtime dedication to the New England Dressage Association (NEDA), where she is the longest serving member of their Board of Directors, Region 8, and USDF has been integral to the successes of, and opportunities made available to, the dressage community. In addition to the many roles she has played in both NEDA and USDF, having served as USDF Vice President from 2010 - 2013, Beth is a retired ASHA ‘R’ Dressage Judge, has managed some of the largest dressage competitions in the country, and has been paramount in supporting and promoting dressage education, both for riders and instructors, as well as officials, evidenced by her endless support of USDF’s L Education Program. Beth’s resume is undisputedly impressive and deserving of this honor, even without mention of her many years serving as a riding instructor and clinician. USDF is proud to recognize Beth for all her outstanding achievements and contributions as a USDF Member of Distinction.

Brook Irving-Martz (Gig Harbor, WA) – USDF Member of Distinction

A renowned trainer, Brook Irving-Martz, along with her sister, operate Kellenbrook Farms, a 32-horse stable that trains some of the top young dressage riders in the nation. Having served as Region 6 Chef d’Equipe six different years between 2004 and 2017, a Youth Outreach Clinician in 2019, and stepping in as FEI Young Rider Regional Coordinator, Brook’s name has become synonymous with youth in dressage, specifically in Region 6. However, Brook has impacted dressage in her Region in other ways, such as serving on the Dressage Seat Equitation Committee in 2018 and 2020. Brook has been a leader in the dressage community, both locally and nationally, for many years, having taken ten of her youth riders to the North American Youth Championships and seven to the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. Brook’s talents, passion, and influence are undeniable, and she continues to use them to promote the sport she loves, specifically to the future generation of dressage in the US, embodying USDF’s mission. For these, as well as many other, reasons, USDF is overjoyed to officially recognize her as a USDF Member of Distinction.

To learn more about the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award, USDF Members of Distinction, Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, or other awards and recognition available, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact [email protected].

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedication to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.

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 [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.